Aging of the society is an interdisciplinary problem of the modern world that releases specific social, economic and political consequences. In addition to the risks of pension funds the unfavorable changes in the family structure and its functioning are also observed. Sometimes the aging process is difficult to accept, the sense of isolation and loneliness increase and the existential emptiness appears. Reaching for drugs may be inclined by a chronic disease and/or unpleasant symptoms, the loss of family members, increasing financial problems. The problems caused by an excessive alcohol consumption among seniors not long ago aroused little interest in research. The risk factors for the development of old-age addictions should be under dissection because of the important aspects of the social, psychological and health in relation to the substance abuse by seniors.

Key words: old age, addiction, risk factors.