Substance Use and Aging

Older adults’ general physical and psychological vulnerability is among the highest of any population, and their vulnerability to the misuse of alcohol and other drugs (AOD) is equally high.

Yet older adults’ access to substance use disorder treatment services and related resources—and their ability to make use of the services that are available—is among the lowest of any population in this country.

In May of 2001, a multidisciplinary consortium of agencies concerned with substance-use issues among older adults brought together a wide variety of experts.

The event began with presentations by representatives of model programs, then focused on discussions of key areas of concern.  The proceedings document includes a discussion of the problems to be addressed, followed by suggestions from the experts convened at the Symposium on:

• Appropriate treatment approaches
• Service integration
• Funding
• Research
• Training of treatment professionals
• Training of physicians
• Training of other service disciplines
• Public awareness and education