Locations of facilities with special programs for older substance abuse clients in the US

Abstract

Despite an increasing need for older adult substance abuse services, there are relatively few programs available designed for this age group. The setting where patients with substance abuse are identified (e.g. in a hospital) may partially explain the pattern of locations of age-specific programs.

The effects of marital status transitions on alcohol use trajectories

“…As the needs of the elderly are different from those of younger individuals, the tools used for screening younger populations, such as standard questionnaires and other instruments, may not be adequate for use among the elderly (Beullens & Aertgeerts, 2004;Nemes et al, 2004). Therefore, few treatment facilities are designed with older adults in mind and are often ill-equipped to meet the specific needs of the elderly, such as the ability to address the limited mobility and access to transportation among patients (Schultz, Arndt, & Liesveld, 2003). Therefore, health practitioners need to be equipped with the necessary clinical skills to prevent, diagnose, and treat alcohol problems among the elderly.…”

Alcohol, ageing and dementia: A Scottish perspective

“…Older people are more likely to under report alcohol consumption and professionals often misdiagnose or simply miss symptoms (Dar, 2006;Ferreira & Weems, 2008;Gupta & Warner, 2008). Schultz, Arndt and Liesveld (2003) describe the lack of awareness among acute care hospital staff in the USA and find that they do not test for alcohol use among older people. Loukissa (2007) describes a case study where an older man was given medication for Parkinson's disease for tremors that were later found to have been caused by alcohol withdrawal.…”

“…Similar services and supported housing accommodation is provided by Loretto Housing (see http://www.lorettoha.co.uk) and Penumbra (see http://www.penumbra.org.uk). Studies that have been conducted with older people, mainly in the USA, show that older people respond well to alcohol treatment programmes particularly if they are age specific (Blow & Barry, 2000;Schultz et al, 2003).…”

Using Photovoice to Identify Service Needs of Older African American Methadone Clients

“…The number of substance-abusing baby boomers has raised concerns among researchers and practitioners about the impact of a growing and aging patient population utilizing treatment programs and resources (Arndt, Gunter, & Acion, 2005;Schultz, Arndt, & Liesveld, 2003). Research on psychiatric comorbidity among heroin addicts reveals that African Americans and Whites differ in their underlying reasons for why they abuse drugs, and that African American drug use can be best understood in terms of social and environmental factors (Doherty, Green, Reisinger, & Ensminger, 2008;Roberts, 2000).…”