WASHINGTON—Sen. Mike Braun, Ranking Member of the U.S. Special Committee on Aging, delivered opening remarks at the committee’s hearing entitled, “Understanding a Growing Crisis: Substance Use Trends Among Older Adults.” He also released a report titled "The Silent Epidemic: Fentanyl and Older Americans," which addresses the increase in overdose deaths among older Americans due to the dangers of fentanyl.
During the hearing, Senator Braun emphasized the importance of focusing on older Americans when it comes to substance use, as they are often overlooked. He highlighted the alarming increase in overdose death rates to synthetics like fentanyl among this demographic, with research showing that overdose deaths among older Americans have quadrupled over the last two decades.
To address this crisis, Senator Braun discussed the Modernizing Opioid Treatment Access Act, a bill that he co-led with Senators Markey and Paul. This bill aims to expand patients' access to methadone, a crucial medication for treating opioid use disorder, by eliminating outdated prescription rules. Senator Braun emphasized that this bill will benefit individuals of all ages struggling with opioid use disorder.
Senator Braun also drew attention to the prevalence of synthetics like fentanyl among older Americans in Indiana. He highlighted the fact that while these drugs may not kill older Americans at the same rate as younger ones, age is not a shield against synthetics. The Drug Enforcement Administration reported that seven out of every ten seized pills now contain a lethal dose of fentanyl, and a record-breaking 86 million fentanyl pills were seized in 2023.
The senator expressed concern about the impact of synthetics on older Americans, including the increasing number of grandparents raising their grandchildren due to parents dying from synthetics overdoses. He emphasized that fentanyl and other drugs have not only lowered American life expectancy but also limit younger Americans' chances of growing old.
To combat this crisis, Senator Braun stressed the importance of reducing the supply of synthetic drugs. He called for efforts to counter China's chemical production and Mexican cartels, as they are major contributors to the poisoning of thousands of Americans. He also emphasized the need for stronger border security policies to prevent the easy flow of fentanyl into communities.
Senator Braun concluded by highlighting his report, "The Silent Epidemic: Fentanyl and Older Americans," which sheds light on the growing threat synthetics pose to older adults. He emphasized the importance of raising awareness about this threat, reducing stigma, and improving data on synthetic drug use among seniors.
In conclusion, Senator Braun's remarks at the committee's hearing and the release of his report underscore the urgent need to address the escalating crisis of substance use among older Americans, particularly the dangers posed by synthetics like fentanyl. The senator emphasized the importance of expanding access to treatment, reducing the supply of synthetic drugs, and raising awareness among seniors to combat this silent epidemic.
Click this link to access more information: https://www.aging.senate.gov/press-releases/braun-age-isnt-a-shield-against-synthetics
