Chapter 2 Principles of Care for Older Adults Treating Substance Use Disorder in Older Adults NCBI Bookshelf

Consultation with geriatric and/or addiction psychiatry specialists is what is the best treatment for substance abuse for older adults recommended for older adults with co-morbid AUD and psychiatric illness. Understanding these risks highlights the importance of seeking appropriate treatment options. Comprehensive addiction treatment can offer individualized care tailored to seniors’ needs. The counselor shifts the conversation to what further support Rose may need to address Ed’s drinking while taking care of herself. The counselor suggests she ask both to discuss Ed’s drinking with him, state firmly that Ed should not drink at all, and then put their recommendations in writing.

Availability of Special Programs Relative to the Percentage of Older Adults by Region

Persons with substance use disorders are at high risk for overdose and other harms. Health, behavioral health service, social service, and peer recovery support providers may be part of the support network clients identify. Readers can learn about the different types of treatment available, how to find treatment, costs of treatment, insurance coverage, and options for support throughout recovery. The site provides a toolkit that can be downloaded and used by clients, therapists, and treatment providers to “navigate” the process of finding the right kind of help at different stages of recovery and treatment. It includes worksheets that can be individualized to track progress and lists of important questions for clients to ask of providers and treatment programs.

Chapter 1: Older Adults and Substance Misuse: Understanding the Issue

• By learning the steps to accurate and effective screening and assessment, you increase the chances of older adults receiving timely and appropriate care.
• Additionally, there is a shortage of specialized geriatric treatment programs tailored to address the unique needs of older adults.
• For instance, impaired judgment may increase the risk of accidents and falls in people who already struggle with stability and balance.

The Short Michigan Alcoholism Screening Test-Geriatric Version (SMAST-G) is the first brief alcohol screening tool developed for older adults 24. Barb’s group counseling at the older adult program includes focused topic groups for older adults, relapse prevention coping skills groups, and a DBT group. The DBT group teaches her mindfulness skills for distress tolerance, emotional regulation, and effective interpersonal interactions.

Mental Health Medications

Use these free digital, outreach materials in your community and on social media to spread the word about mental health. Use these free education and outreach materials in your community and on social media to spread the word about mental health and related topics. NIMH statistics pages include statistics on the prevalence, treatment, and costs of mental illness for the population of the United States.

The second section addresses screening and assessment of alcohol misuse in older adults. It covers screening tools for alcohol misuse, limitations of the fifth edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) diagnostic criteria for AUD as applied Alcohol Use Disorder to older adults, signs of late-onset AUD, and misuse of alcohol with prescription medications. This section also addresses screening for and assessing commonly co-occurring health conditions and mental disorders among older adults who drink. Empirical evidence supports the use of SUD treatment for older adults—especially when tailored to their age-related needs. The notion that older adults are not interested in or do not respond well to treatment for substance misuse is simply untrue.

• Find the latest NIH and NIMH policies, guidance, and resources for clinical research.
• At American Addiction Centers (AAC), we understand the unique challenges seniors face when seeking treatment.
• The involvement of family members, close friends, and loved ones can provide a strong foundation of support and understanding.
• Among older people, addiction to prescription medications, particularly opioids and benzodiazepines, is an increasingly urgent public health concern.
• Those with late-onset heroin use were more likely to use heroin more frequently and less likely to receive medication for opioid use disorder or residential treatment 57.
• With evidence-based treatment options, holistic approaches, and a supportive community, Wellbridge is your partner in reclaiming a fulfilling and substance-free life.

Specialized Treatment Programs

At the next visit, Carl says that his depression has gotten better and that he no longer feels tired or gets dizzy. Carl says that he wants to continue not drinking because he feels so much better. The psychiatrist supports Carl’s efforts to avoid drinking and, after discussion with Carl, prescribes a different antidepressant medication for him. In future medication management visits, the psychiatrist tracks Carl’s depression, his response to the new medication, his blood pressure, and his success in avoiding alcohol.