CONTENTS

Table of Contents
Introduction

1. Overview
2. Recognizing Alcohol Misuse and Abuse in Older Adults
3. Alcohol and Aging
4. Diagnosing Alcohol Problems in Older Adults
5. Recognizing Other Forms of Substance Abuse
6. Prevention and Early Intervention Strategies
7. Treatment
8. Outcomes and Cost Issues in Alcohol Treatment for Older Adults
9. Legal and Ethical Issues

Supplements
Resources

At Any Age, It Does Matter:
Substance Abuse and Older Adults (for Professionals)

Role of the Clinician

Although slots may be limited, treatment is available and effective. It is important to ensure that older adults get the treatment they need for alcohol and drug problems. Treatment not only helps improve the older adult's quality of life but also helps family members, friends, caregivers, and the community.

Primary care clinicians need to be familiar with available treatment resources for their patients who are diagnosed with substance abuse or dependence disorders. However, the clinician's responsibility to the patient does not end when the patient enters formal treatment. The physician may become a collaborative part of the treatment team.

At the very least, the clinician needs to continue treating the patient's medical conditions during specialized treatment. In addition, it helps for the clinician to encourage continuing participation in the program. Finally, he or she should schedule followup visits after treatment ends to monitor progress and help prevent relapse.