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More than 2.5 million older Americans struggle with alcohol abuse and its associated medical and social consequences. This number is expected to double to 5 million by 2020 (Gfoerer, Penne, Pemberton, Simoni-Wastila Cummings & Cooper, 2011). The combination of drugs, such as marijuana, with alcohol and prescription medications can lead to decreased cognition, impairment of memory and attention, and increased falls (Benshoff, Harrawood, & Koch, 2003). Comorbid psychiatric illness, including depression and anxiety, are also common among elderly drug and alcohol abusers. Additionally, older adults who use alcohol and marijuana have a higher risk of suicide (Rigler, 2000). Substance abuse and the related physical and mental comorbidities are expected to rise among the population of older adults in the coming decades.
Lisa A. Cooper (Wed,) studied this question.