Combined past-month cannabis use and binge drinking increased 450% among adults 65 and older from 2015 to 2019.
Geriatricians, primary care providers, and public health professionals focused on aging populations.
450% increasein combined past-month cannabis use and binge drinking among adults 65+ from 2015 to 2019
What the researchers found
Among adults 65+, combined past-month cannabis use and binge drinking prevalence increased from 0.2% to 1.1% (450% relative increase, p<0.001). Overall cannabis use among adults 50+ increased 64.1% while binge drinking remained stable.
Why it matters
Older adults combining cannabis and alcohol face compounded risks due to medication interactions, chronic diseases, and age-related changes in drug metabolism.
The numbers in context
Adults 50+: 2.5% increase in cannabis use (64.1% relative), 0.5% increase in combined use (26.3% relative). Adults 65+: combined use from 0.2% to 1.1% (450% relative increase). Users more likely to be younger, male, non-Hispanic Black, tobacco users.
How the study worked
Analysis of 2015-2019 National Survey on Drug Use and Health data for noninstitutionalized adults aged 50 and older.
Who was studied
Nationally representative sample of noninstitutionalized US adults aged 50 and older (2015-2019 NSDUH).
What this study cannot tell us
Self-reported substance use may be underestimated. NSDUH excludes institutionalized populations. Five-year window may miss longer trends. Cannot assess health outcomes of combined use.
How to read the evidence
Nationally representative survey with trend analysis; strong epidemiological evidence.
When this study was published
National data from 2015-2019.
The bigger picture
The simultaneous rise in cannabis and alcohol use among older adults creates an emerging public health concern that most healthcare systems are unprepared to address.
Replication
National data; trends likely continuing post-2019.
Funding
Not specified in abstract
Conflicts of interest
Not specified in abstract
Questions still open
- What are the specific health risks of combining cannabis and alcohol in older adults?
- Are healthcare providers screening for both substances in older patients?
Read the original research
Past-month binge drinking and cannabis use among middle-aged and older adults in the United States, 2015-2019.
Alcohol (Fayetteville, N.Y.), 107, 32-37
Citation
Kepner, Wayne E; Han, Benjamin H; Nguyen, Daniel; Han, Stacy S; Lopez, Francisco A; Palamar, Joseph J. (2023). Past-month binge drinking and cannabis use among middle-aged and older adults in the United States, 2015-2019.. Alcohol (Fayetteville, N.Y.), 107, 32-37. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.alcohol.2022.07.006