A study conducted by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) brought forth that admittance for the substance abuse treatment among aged 50 and older has increased double-fold. Further, for the years between 1992-2008, the socio-demographic traits have also undergone a tremendous change.

As a part of the agency's strategic initiative on data, outcomes and quality, the study was undertaken by SAMSHA. The aim of the study was to generate integrated data systems, which would facilitate the policy makers and providers on behavioral health issues, to draft effective policies.

As per the findings, an increase was observed in the socio-demographic factors like unemployment, lack of income and homelessness. During the designated period, all the factors augmented in the treatment group.

The female treatment admissions aged 50 or older also observed an addition in the proportion in the years of 1992 and 2008. The percentage boosted from 18.1% to a 25.1%. Following the trend, the non-Hispanic Whites entailed a major portion of the older admissions.

The details of the changes in the socio-demographic characteristics of the admissions that fell in the age bracket of 50 and older encompassed that the unemployment jumped from 19.4% in 1992 to about 31% in 2008. Further, a reduction in the full-time employment was also observed as it decreased to 16.7% in 2008 from 23.4% in 1992.

The study outcomes reflect a gloomy picture proving the claims that the abuse of prescription pain is only second to usage of illicit drug abuse, and the first one being marijuana.