ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: The health risks faced by older adults are diverse; however, little has been explored about the use and abuse of psychoactive substances in this population. The seclusion imposed by the situation that prevails due to SARS-CoV-2 has increased the feelings of loneliness, isolation and sadness associated with this age, which makes them a risk factor for drug use. OBJECTIVE: To analyze the consumption of legal and illegal drugs in people over 60 years of age who are Facebook users and its relationship with symptoms of depression during the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Study carried out on 380 elderly people, Facebook users, who answered a questionnaire published online, which inquired about: sociodemographic data, frequency and amount of legal and illegal drug use, and depressive symptomatology. RESULTS: 50.26% were women; the average age was 66.79 years (SD=5.81); 31.05% consumed alcohol in the last 30 days, 22.63% tobacco, tranquilizers without medical prescription 16.05% and marijuana 7.89%. The consumption of other illegal drugs did not exceed 2.6% of the population. When comparing between users and non-users, it turned out that consumption in the last 30 days was slightly higher in women, in single people and no differences were observed depending on the level of schooling. Mild and severe depressive symptoms were found to be associated with all drugs except tobacco and opiates. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS: The results obtained demonstrate the need to make drug use visible among older adults and to develop strategies that reduce the mood disorders they may be experiencing, such as fear, anguish and depression. When comparing between users and non-users, it turned out that consumption in the last 30 days was slightly higher in women, in single people and no differences were observed depending on the level of schooling.