By Mandy Parsons
Middle-aged. What classifies someone as “middle-aged?” Is it an arbitrary number, a life stage, or state of mind?
People say, “40 is the new 20,” and, “You’re only as old as you feel,” but is that really true? If it were, we would all be immune to the challenges growing older inevitably brings — issues like aging parents, financial pressures, and health concerns.
Although what classifies someone as “middle-aged” varies a bit depending on the source, the general consensus is people between the ages of about 40 and 60.
Incidentally, middle-aged adults have become the subject of some alarming new research. Studies show a historic rise in both alcohol consumption and drug use among this demographic in recent years.
Are midlife crises to blame? Is experimentation taking place later in life? Let’s take a closer look at this concerning trend, potential contributing factors, and the ramifications on your health.
A Surprising Trend
According to a panel study conducted by Monitoring the Future (MTF) with National Institute on Drug Abuse, the most frequent substances used by adults ages 35-50 in 2022 were alcohol (84.8%), marijuana (27.9%), cigarettes (16.6%), and other drugs (11.9%).
The nearly 28% marijuana use by midlife adults was more than double that of a decade ago. Additionally, alcohol consumption gradually increased to roughly 85% from 83% in 2012 with binge drinking (consuming five or more drinks in a row) also growing at a steady rate.
In fact, MTF found that use of marijuana and hallucinogens in this age group reached an all-time high in 2022, with the highest prevalence of binge drinking ever recorded as well.
What is driving these numbers? “Behaviors and public perception of drug use can shift rapidly, based on drug availability and other factors,” said Dr. Megan Patrick, a research professor at the University of Michigan and principal investigator of the study, reports the National Institutes of Health.
These changing attitudes and behaviors are key to understanding this problem.
Contributing Factors
There are various theories as to why we are seeing an uptick in alcohol consumption and drug use by midlifers.
One hypothesis is that as drugs like marijuana become legalized, the stigma associated with them lessens, making their use more socially acceptable. Furthermore, now that marijuana is increasingly accessible, an entire (older) generation is trying it for the first time.
Another changing societal norm is the age at which women are having children — much later in life. Concurrently, alcohol use is rising among modern middle-aged women. Research shared by Addiction suggests a correlation between transition to parenthood and excessive drinking outcomes.
This association is reflected in the relatively new phenomenon known as “mom-wine” culture, which encourages mothers to use alcohol as a means of coping with parental stress, explains U.S. News & World Report. But parental stress isn’t the only pressure experienced during midlife.
Men and women in their 40s and 50s are often sandwiched between two generations, caring not only for children but elderly parents. The simultaneous demands on their time and resources from both can be quite taxing.
Another consideration is that those in midlife are frequently at the height of their professional careers. This level of success requires peak performance, heavy responsibility, and long work hours — all significant stressors.
Impact of Substance Abuse on Your Health
Regardless of what is fueling the increase in drug and alcohol use within this demographic, the ramifications can be deadly.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that in both 2020 and 2021, adults 35-44 had the highest death rate from drug overdose among people 15 and older.
Similarly, the CDC states that rates of alcohol-induced deaths in 2020 were highest for persons aged 55 through 64. Alcohol-related deaths are rising among women too, with females 35-44 experiencing the largest percentage increase from 2019 to 2020.
Causes of death ranged from acute pancreatitis to alcoholic liver disease, to mental and behavioral disorders exacerbated by alcohol use. However, even when not fatal, substance abuse can have long-term adverse health outcomes.
Complications from substance abuse may include cardiovascular diseases, cancer, gastrointestinal problems, cognitive impairment, and mood disorders, to name a few.
All things considered, how do we address this growing health concern?
What Can Be Done?
Because the root causes of your substance abuse are biological, psychological, social, as well as situational, the need for customized interventions and support systems is key.
Consequently, The Meadows Malibu recommends a multifaceted approach is tailored to your specific treatment needs. This plan might include detox, group therapy, one-on-one counseling, and holistic and experiential treatment options.
Our goal is to go beyond managing symptoms and address the reasons behind your behavior to produce lasting change.
If you are overwhelmed by the stressors of midlife and use drugs or alcohol to escape, let us help you. We promise an individualized treatment plan and our undivided attention to make your recovery a reality.