Every August 31, communities around the world come together for International Overdose Awareness Day (IOAD), a time to remember those lost to overdose, acknowledge the grief of those left behind, and work together to prevent future deaths.

When we think about overdose risk, many people picture younger populations. But in reality, adults aged 60 and older are increasingly vulnerable to substance misuse and overdose, and they are often overlooked in public health discussions.

A Growing and Hidden Concern
Older adults face unique health challenges: chronic pain, grief and loss, depression, isolation, and changes in mobility or cognition—that may contribute to misuse of medications or substances, even unintentionally.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC):

• Overdose death rates among adults aged 65 and older increased by more than 50% from 2019 to 2021.
• Nearly 1 in 5 older adults reported binge drinking in the past month.
• The misuse of prescription opioids, benzodiazepines, and alcohol are the most common concerns among this age group.

Many older adults take multiple medications each day, which can lead to accidental interactions or overuse. Cognitive changes, memory loss, or vision issues may also make it harder to follow prescribed instructions correctly. And for those managing emotional pain or grief, substances may become a way to cope.

It’s Okay to Ask for Help

• If you or someone you care about has ever:
• Drank or used substances more than intended in the past year, or
• Felt the need to cut down on drinking or drug use
  …then it might be time to have a conversation.

Getting support is not about judgment—it’s about understanding, care, and connection. Treatment options are available, and many local providers accept Medicaid, Medicare, or other insurance. Whether you’re looking for counseling, treatment, or a support group, help is close to home.

Local Resources for Midland County
Outpatient Services (Medicaid/Healthy Michigan Plan):

• Community Mental Health for Central Michigan
  (989) 631-2320 | cmhcm.org
• Ten16 Recovery Network (989) 631-0241 | 1016.org
• Family and Children’s Services (989) 631-5390 | fcs-midland.org
• J&A Counseling and Evaluation (989) 631-4092 | jacounseling.com

Inpatient Services:

• Ten16 Recovery Network – Midland (Medicaid, Medicare)
• Ascension Brighton Center for Recovery (Medicare, private insurance)
• Harbor Oaks – New Baltimore (Tricare, Medicare, BCBS)
• Henry Ford Maplegrove (Medicare, private insurance)
• Ridgeview Behavioral Health – Ohio (Medicaid, Medicare, transportation available)

Need guidance?

• Mid-State Health Network: (844) 405-3095 | midstatehealthnetwork.org
• 24/7 Help Is Always Available
• Local Crisis Line: (989) 631-4450
• National Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: 1-800-273-TALK (8255)
• Veterans Crisis Line: 1-800-273-8255, Press 1
• SAMHSA National Helpline: 1-800-662-HELP (4357)

Peer and Family Support
Support groups can be an important lifeline for those in recovery and for loved ones trying to help:

• Alcoholics Anonymous (AA): midlandaa.org
• Narcotics Anonymous (NA): na.org/meetingsearch
• Al-Anon & Nar-Anon: miafg.org, nar-anon.org

You Are Not Alone
This International Overdose Awareness Day, we honor the lives lost and the lives that can still be changed through compassion, awareness, and support. If you’re struggling—or you know someone who might be—it’s okay to speak up. Healing starts with just one conversation.

Let’s continue to look out for one another. Because every life matters.

Sources: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC): Older Adults and Substance Use; National Institute on Drug Abuse: Substance Use in Older Adults DrugFacts; SAMHSA: Behavioral Health Issues Among Older Adults