Substance abuse is cited as the main factor in nearly 35 percent of divorces. Older adults are using opioids, alcohol, marijuana, and heroin at increasing rates. So much so, that it is being called the silent epidemic. Listen as Debbie Loudermilk, the Director of Outpatient Services for the Council for Alcohol and Drug Abuse Services, discusses why this is happening at increasing rates and who is most at risk.

Drug abuse among older adults is often hard to detect because the signs and symptoms mimic those of old age. Substance abuse can have a significant negative effect on diabetes, heart failure, and raise one's risk for heart attack.

Debbie shares the signals that someone is abusing drugs or alcohol, as well as how to go about discussing it with a loved one, if you suspect substance abuse is happening.

Produced by: Whitfield Media Group, Chattanooga, TN

Editing: Tyler Owens

Facebook and Instagram: @silverdivorcepodcast

Email: silverdivorcepodcast@ gmail.com

Brought to you by: Center for Sports Medicine and Orthopaedics www.sportmed.com and MedicareMisty www.MedicareMisty.com

About Debbie Loudermilk, LADAC-II, NCAC II: Debbie is the Director of Outpatient Services for the Council for Alcohol and Drug Abuse Services, the only non-profit treatment facility in the region. www.cadas.org.

About your Host: Lisa McCluskey, MBA is a retired healthcare executive who was blindsided by divorce after a 34-year marriage. She founded this podcast to share knowledge and education she gained, in order to help others avoid the pitfalls she fell into. This podcast is her mission and labor of love.