Prescription Drug Abuse Rising Among Elderly

Prescription drug abuse is taking hold in an unlikely generation: baby boomers.

A new study says substance abusers over 50 are turning from alcohol to pills.

And one local expert has theories on why.

"It looks to be a result of doctors prescribing for chronic pain and it takes awhile for that to become an addiction that people are seeking help for," said Dr. Paul Fuchcar who is the executive director of CADAS, a drug treatment center in Chattanooga.

The normal aches and pains of aging or an unexpected injury that takes longer to heal can be a slippery slope when treated with powerful narcotics.

"There’s a time where that ankle or whatever was hurt may not really be hurt anymore but that person has developed a dependency on that medication so that can lead to addictive properties," said Jordan Morrison who is a pharmacist at Access Family Pharmacy in Hixson.

Sheriff Eric Watson of Bradley County told News 12 his department deals with prescription drug crime every day.

He said although it’s illegal to sell pills, it’s legal to get them – and that’s why the crime is growing.

The elderly take more medication which makes them more vulnerable to robbery he said.

According to the sheriff, one Hydrocodone pill is worth nearly 20 dollars on the street.

A bottle full plus it’s dangerous addictive qualities is a recipe for disaster that no age or economic group is immune to.

"Opiate drugs hit all strata of society," said Fuchcar. "It doesn’t matter whether you’re someone who’s been homeless for the last 15 years or someone with a well-paying job. Opiates are not a discriminator of persons."

If you or someone you know is addicted to prescription drugs, call CADAS in Chattanooga at 423-756-7644.