Global and regional burden of four drug use disorders in the elderly, 1990 to 2021: an analysis of the global burden of disease study

Abstract Background: As the global population ages, the burden of drug use disorders (DUDs) among the elderly is rising. It is imperative to conduct a quantitative analysis of the disease burden affecting this vulnerable population. Methods: Utilize the Global Burden of Disease Study 2021 database to obtain incidence rates and disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) for opioids, cocaine, amphetamines, and cannabis among the elderly (aged 60–89) across 204 countries and 5 SDI regions from 1990 to 2021. Employ Joinpoint regression analysis