---
url: 'https://www.healthinaging.org/a-z-topic/drug-and-substance-use-disorders'
title: 'Drug and Substance Use Disorders'
author:
  name: 'Jennifer Cross'
  url: 'https://www.healthinaging.org/user/102'
date: '2018-11-01T18:09:11+00:00'
updated: '2023-07-13T20:07:07+00:00'
type: topic
summary: 'Most drugs and other chemical substances are helpful when used properly. Unfortunately, the misuse of medications and drugs—both legal and illegal, as well as alcohol and tobacco—is a growing problem in the older population.'
tags:
  - Health
published: true
---
 Most drugs and related chemical products (substances) are helpful when people use them the way they should.

However, misuse of legal and illegal drugs, as well as alcohol and tobacco, is a growing problem in the older population.

[Basic Facts](/a-z-topic/drug-and-substance-use-disorders/basic-facts)

[Causes](/a-z-topic/drug-and-substance-use-disorders/causes)

[Symptoms](/a-z-topic/drug-and-substance-use-disorders/symptoms)

[Diagnosis & Tests](/a-z-topic/drug-and-substance-use-disorders/tests)

[Care & Treatment](/a-z-topic/drug-and-substance-use-disorders/care-treatment)

[Lifestyle & Management](/a-z-topic/drug-and-substance-use-disorders/lifestyle)