UPDATE: New reports confirm a significant rise in older adults in Maine struggling with opioid addiction. Data shows that between 2019 and 2023, the number of Medicare patients aged 65 and older receiving buprenorphine treatment surged by 70%, highlighting an urgent and alarming trend in this demographic.
This shift comes as community health professionals, such as Megan Harrigan from the Union Street Brick Church in Bangor, witness firsthand the struggles of older clients increasingly turning to illicit drugs. Harrigan, who has over 20 years of experience in addiction care, notes that many older patients, once reliant on prescription opioids, now find themselves addicted to more dangerous substances like fentanyl.
The Maine Monitor analyzed Medicare claims data, revealing that around 450 additional older adults sought treatment for opioid use disorder in recent years. While these numbers seem small compared to overall figures, they indicate a growing issue that cannot be overlooked.
Concerns are rising among health officials as anecdotal evidence points to an increase in older adults grappling with addiction. Gordon Smith, the state director of opioid response, acknowledges the challenge of allocating resources effectively. “Each age group deserves attention,” Smith stated, while emphasizing the need to focus on the most vulnerable populations.
Despite older Mainers accounting for only 12% of nonfatal overdoses last year, the potential for a larger trend is alarming. The overall number of overdoses in the state is decreasing, yet health experts warn that this demographic could be at greater risk as they age.
Therapist Kaylie Smith at Northern Light Acadia Hospital has seen the patient population shift, noting the number of older adults seeking help has doubled in her 10 years of practice. “Our population is aging, and that is impacting how patients are presenting with us,” she explained.
In a troubling reflection of society’s stigma, older adults may hesitate to seek help due to feelings of pride and shame. Walt Bresnahan, a 68-year-old recovering addict, stresses the importance of addressing these barriers. “The older generation right now is the boomers. Pride is a significant issue,” he said.
Health professionals are calling for urgent policy changes to better address the unique needs of older adults facing opioid addiction. Dr. Rachel Solotaroff from Penobscot Community Health Care emphasizes the need for tailored interventions, stating, “We need an intentional focus on this population as distinct from younger groups.”
As Maine’s aging population continues to grow, the implications of this trend could have lasting effects on public health systems. The recent surge in older adults seeking buprenorphine treatment indicates that more individuals are recognizing their struggles and taking steps toward recovery.
However, access to appropriate care remains a significant hurdle. Many nursing homes and assisted living facilities lack the resources to support residents with opioid addictions, leaving vulnerable populations without essential health services.
The urgency surrounding this issue cannot be overstated. With more older adults potentially facing addiction, Maine must adapt its healthcare strategies to meet the evolving needs of its citizens. The time for action is now, as officials and health providers work to ensure that all Mainers, regardless of age, have access to the help they need.
In the face of this developing crisis, community leaders and health officials urge continued dialogue and proactive measures to prevent further tragedies from occurring within the aging population. The implications are clear: as the opioid epidemic persists, older adults must not be overlooked.
