Older adults who use or have used marijuana: Help-seeking for marijuana and other substance use problems

Increasing numbers of older adults are using marijuana and may experience problems related to marijuana use. This study examined relationships (1) between help-seeking for marijuana use and the presence of other substance use and/or mental disorders and (2) between help-seeking for other substance use disorders and marijuana use among adults aged 50+.

The 2012-2013 National Epidemiologic Survey on Alcohol and Related Conditions provided data (N=14.715). Bivariate analyses were used to compare never, past-year, and ex-marijuana users on lifetime substance use and mental disorders and help-seeking for associated problems. Binary logistic regression models were used to examine the correlates of help-seeking for marijuana and other substance use problems.

21.20% of past-year and 13.72% of ex-marijuana users with lifetime marijuana use disorder sought help for marijuana problems. The odds of help-seeking were higher for those with lifetime marijuana use disorders if they also had other drug (OR=2.84, 95% CI=1.39-5.80) and/or nicotine use disorder (OR=2.96, 95% CI=1.28-6.87). The odds of help-seeking for alcohol problems among those with alcohol use disorder were significantly higher if they were also ex- or past-year marijuana users. The odds of help-seeking for nicotine problems among those with nicotine use disorder were significantly higher only if they were ex-marijuana users.

Adults aged 50+ with marijuana use disorder often have other substance use and mental disorders. Healthcare providers should screen for marijuana and other substance use along with mental disorders and provide education about harms from polysubstance use and referrals for treatment.