The purpose of this document is to determine the level of substance abuse in the senior community. There is concern that as the population in the United States ages, there will be a significant increase in the number of older adults being treated for substance abuse problems. This article seeks to understand the issues and concerns that consequently relate to substance abuse among older adults. There is no doubt that there is a prevalence of substance abuse in different age groups. To some extent, a society is faced with the reality of controlling substance abuse. Or let it spread throughout the community. We often hear and read about the level of substance abuse among teenagers, young adults, and middle-aged adults. Alcohol, prescription drugs, illegal drugs, and over-the-counter medications can be both abused and misused. It is widely believed that age plays a role in the level of influence that drugs and alcohol reduce. As a person gets older, drugs and alcohol no longer affect their love affairs as much. This widespread belief has truth. However, it is important to understand that substance abuse is still prevalent in the senior community. Drug use appears to negatively impact the health of older adults at a higher rate than other populations (Benshoff & Koch, 2003). This could be the result of old age. So it can be understood that there is a biological effect of substance abuse among the elderly. Older adults are more susceptible to hospitalization due to adverse effects of substances, whereas other populations in society are not. Benshoff and Koch state, “Intentional abuse of prescription drugs to get high is thought to be rare, but overuse does occur among this population. Often this ended up... middle of the paper... elderly emergency room patients. Journal of the American Geriatric Society (40):1236-1240Atchley, R. C. (1997). Social forces and aging: An introduction to social gerontology (8th ed.). Belmont, CA: Wadswortli. Benshoff, J. J., & Koch, D. (2003). Substance abuse and older adults: Unique issues and concerns. Journal of Rehabilitation, 69(2), 43.Kail, B., & DeLaRosa, M. (1998). Challenges in treating drug-addicted older Latinos: A not-so-hidden research agenda. Journal Of Gerontological Social Work, 30(1/2), 123-141.Mavandadi, S., Ten Have, T.R., Katz, I.R., Durai, U.B., Krahn, D.D., Llorente, M.D., & ... Oslin, D.W. (2007). Effect of treatment of depression on depressive symptoms in older age: the moderating role of pain. Journal of the American Geriatrics Society, 55(2), 202-211. doi:10.1111/j.1532-5415.2007.01042.x