A report from the Ontario Drug Policy Research Network, based at St. Michael's Hospital, finds that the number of Ontarians aged 55 and older with healthcare interactions related to opioid use disorder more than doubled between 2017 and 2025. The analysis, published on Medical Xpress, tracks a sharp rise in a demographic often overlooked in discussions of the opioid crisis.
The increase suggests that older adults are not immune to the epidemic, and may face unique barriers to treatment. The report does not break down causes or demographics beyond age, but the scale of growth signals a need for targeted interventions. As the population ages, health systems may need to adapt addiction services to the specific needs of older patients, who often have chronic conditions and polypharmacy.
No other sources were provided, so the findings stand alone. The report's authors have not yet released full methodology, but the doubling trend is clear from the data presented.