Maine Sees 70% Surge in Older Adults Seeking Opioid Treatment

BREAKING: Maine is witnessing an alarming 70% surge in older adults seeking treatment for opioid addiction over the past four years. New data reveals that the number of Medicare patients aged 65 and older receiving buprenorphine treatment skyrocketed from 638 in 2019 to 1,087 in 2023. This urgent development highlights a troubling shift as older Mainers increasingly struggle with drug use, a trend that has largely gone unnoticed.

Megan Harrigan, a mental health and rehabilitation technician, has seen this change firsthand. While once focused on prescription opioids, Harrigan now encounters a growing number of elderly patients grappling with illicit drugs, primarily fentanyl. “Eventually they’re going to age, and our drugs are not stopping,” she stated, emphasizing the need for immediate attention to this demographic.

Recent analysis of Medicare claims data has confirmed this trend, showing an increase of about 450 more older adults seeking assistance across various healthcare systems in Maine. Although this represents a small fraction of the overall patient population, medical professionals are increasingly concerned about the potential implications of this shift.

While the state has made strides in addressing opioid addiction, including the expansion of treatment options, some healthcare providers are hesitant to focus on older patients due to limited resources. Gordon Smith, Maine’s director of opioid response, noted, “I have to be responsible for all my age cohorts, and where is the biggest struggle?” As Maine’s population ages, experts are advocating for a more tailored approach to address the unique challenges faced by older adults.

The opioid crisis has traditionally affected younger populations, but the rising numbers among seniors signal a need for urgent intervention. “Maine is one of the oldest states in the nation, and that is impacting how patients are presenting with us,” said Kaylie Smith, a licensed clinical professional counselor at Northern Light Acadia Hospital. The number of patients aged 65 and older at her facility has doubled over the past decade.

Despite the increase in treatment-seeking behavior, challenges remain. Many older adults face significant stigma and may be reluctant to disclose their struggles. Leon Licata, pastor at the Union Street Brick Church in Bangor, remarked on the difficulty of reaching older individuals who might be using drugs but are unwilling to admit it. “They’re not going to tell you,” he pointed out, highlighting the hidden nature of this issue.

As the state grapples with this emerging crisis, Maine continues to see a decline in total overdose rates overall. However, the specific needs of older adults must not be overlooked. The elderly population accounted for just 12% of nonfatal overdoses last year, yet experts warn that this could change if current trends persist.

Dr. Rachel Solotaroff, clinical adviser for substance use disorder services at Penobscot Community Health Care, emphasized the need for a population-health approach tailored for older adults. “You also need an intentional focus by policymakers,” she stated, advocating for strategies that specifically address the distinct needs of this age group.

With increasing evidence that older adults are turning to harder drugs, Maine’s healthcare system must adapt to provide adequate support. The focus needs to shift to understanding and treating opioid use disorder among seniors, who often face unique health challenges and may require more comprehensive care.

As Maine monitors this developing situation, stakeholders are encouraged to collaborate and innovate solutions. The state’s aging population requires a proactive response to ensure that support and resources are available for those facing opioid addiction. With national trends indicating a growing crisis among older adults, Maine must act decisively to safeguard the health and well-being of its senior citizens.

Stay tuned for further updates as this story develops and the implications of these findings become clearer.