A study from the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa’s Center on Aging reveals methamphetamine poisoning as the leading cause of fatal overdoses among midlife and older adults in Hawaiʻi. The research, published in the Hawaiʻi Journal of Health and Social Welfare, shows that methamphetamine toxicity accounted for 64.3% of drug-related deaths among individuals aged 50 to 79, compared to just 16.4% from opioid poisoning. Older adults who have been using methamphetamine for years are particularly vulnerable due to age-related health issues. The study recommends targeted interventions, including screening and tailored treatment, to address substance use disorder in this population.
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Meth poisoning emerges as the leading cause for fatal overdoses in older Hawaii residents
