Substance Use and Older Adults | Vermont Department of Health

Well & Wiser: What to know about substance use as we age

As we age, our bodies work differently. We carry less water. Metabolism slows. The liver and kidneys work more slowly.

This changes how your body processes substances like medication, alcohol, and cannabis, affecting you in ways that are important to understand.

Aging and alcohol

man playing guitar with his granddaughter

Aging and cannabis

Two men smiling with their arms around each other's shulders

Aging and pain and anxiety medications

Tips for healthy aging

Talk with your doctor

Keep a list of all the medications, vitamins, and supplements you take, including how much and how often. Bring that list to every doctor or pharmacist visit.
Ask about risks of using substances with your medication.
Use your medication only as directed and do not stop without talking with your doctor.
Ask about alternatives, especially for pain.

Limit your use of alcohol and cannabis

If you are going to drink alcohol or use cannabis, go slow until you know how it will affect you.
Do not drink alcohol or use cannabis and drive.

Get more tips at Age Strong VT

How does alcohol affect you as you age?

The cover of a brochure covering alcohol use and the aging body. — click to download

Your alcohol tolerance decreases.
Aging lowers the body’s tolerance for alcohol, meaning you can become intoxicated and impaired with fewer drinks.
Alcohol can make your health problems worse.
Alcohol can make common health problems worse, such as diabetes, liver problems, memory problems, high blood pressure, osteoporosis and heart disease. You should not drink alcohol if you have dementia or are taking medications that interact with alcohol.
Alcohol can interact with your medications.
Many prescriptions, over-the-counter medications, and herbal remedies can be harmful or even deadly when mixed with alcohol. Alcohol can prevent some medications from working or increase its potency. Medications prescribed for pain, sleep or anxiety can be especially dangerous when mixed with alcohol.
Alcohol can increase your risk of injury.

How does cannabis (marijuana, weed) affect you as you age?

The cover of a brochure covering cannabis use and the aging body. — click to download

You are more sensitive to THC.
As you age, your metabolism changes, meaning you may feel the effects of THC (the primary psychoactive compound in cannabis) more strongly.
Cannabis can impact your memory.
Long term cannabis use can lead to memory loss, confusion, and difficulty with decision-making.
Cannabis can make your mental health worse.
Cannabis can increase your risk of developing mental health problems, such as anxiety, depression and psychosis or making them worse.
Cannabis can increase your risk of injury.
Cannabis impacts your balance and coordination, which can lead to more falls.

How does taking opioids and benzodiazepines affect you as you age?

The cover of a brochure covering opioid use and the aging body. — click to download

You are more sensitive to medications.
Aging makes your body more sensitive to medications, making it harder to process certain medications. This means that it takes less to create a risk of a medical emergency, such as an overdose or other harmful effects.
Taking opioids and benzodiazepines together can be dangerous.
When taken together, even for a short time, they can increase risk of a medical emergency such as loss of consciousness, confusion or memory loss, slow or difficult breathing, extreme sleepiness and death.

Opioids are powerful medicines that may be prescribed by your doctor to manage pain. Common opioid pain medicines are hydrocodone (Vicodin®) and oxycodone (Percocet®, Oxycontin®).
Benzodiazepines (benzos) are also powerful medicines that may be prescribed by your doctor to manage insomnia, seizures or anxiety. Common benzos are alprazolam (Xanax®), clonazepam (Klonopin®), lorazepam (Ativan®) and diazepam (Valium®).

How does taking medications affect you as you age?

The cover of a brochure covering medication use and the aging body. — click to download

You are more sensitive to medications.
Aging makes your body more sensitive to medications, making it harder to process certain medications. This means that it takes less to create a risk of a medical emergency, such as an overdose or other harmful effects.
Taking multiple medications, even over-the-counter ones, increases the risk of side effects or medical emergencies.
Using cannabis or alcohol can increase these risks.
It’s safest to avoid drinking alcohol or using cannabis if you take:
Pain medications or muscle relaxants
Sleep aids
Medication for anxiety or depression
Cold or allergy medications

Treatment & Recovery Support

VT Helplink is a free resource for Vermonters, providing confidential, non-judgmental support and referrals based on your individual needs. A caring Helplink Specialist will listen to you, answer your questions, and help you or your loved one take a step towards recovery.

Call  or text "LINK" to 802-565-LINK (5465) or toll-free 833-565-LINK (5465).