According to the federal government's National Household Survey on Drug Abuse, 568,000 people aged 55 or older used illegal drugs in the past month. The number is expected to grow over the next decade as the baby-boomer generation ages.

"The baby-boomer generation will be eligible for Social Security in just six years, and we expect there will be a lot more problems emerging in the not-too-distant future," said Frederic Blow, a University of Michigan expert on addiction among the elderly.

Experts say that baby boomers used more illicit drugs and alcohol than their parents. Many are expected to continue their alcohol and other drug dependency through their later years, presenting a significant challenge to the public-health system.

"[Seniors] are more likely to hide their substance abuse and less likely to seek professional help," said Westley Clark, director of the Center for Substance Abuse and Treatment in Washington, D.C. "And relatives of elders with substance abuse problems are often not willing to confront them."

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