Substance Use Disorder Treatment Needs of the Elder Client

With an increasing proportion of the population becoming elders, the number of elders presenting with substance use disorders will also increase. The number of adults aged 50 years or older with a substance use disorder is projected to further increase because of the increased life expectancy and higher substance use rates of the “baby boomer” population.  Approximately 90% of elders use prescription medications and over the counter medications, with 30% of those older than 65 years taking 9 or more of these medications.  Approximately 25% of elders are prescribed a potentially addictive substance. Older adults experiencing emotional and social problems such as bereavement, loneliness and retirement, and medical problems are at greater risk for substance use disorders. Consequently, elders with substance use disorder are at increased risk for subsequent health issues, hospitalizations and nursing home placements.

This training provides insight into the specific development and social factors unique to the elderly and how they are crucial into both the onset of substance use disorder and treatment.  This presentation focuses not only on substance use disorders but also prescription and over the counter medication misuse and mismanagement given there is a high correlation among these conditions. An overview of the effectiveness of traditional substance abuse and support group participation is discussed.

Learning Objectives:

• Outline trends in substance use disorder and misuse among the elderly
• Explain key developmental considerations
• Describe unique social and biological factors related to substance use disorder among the elderly
• Identify some specific treatment considerations in working with the elderly

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