Prevention Strategies of Alcohol and Substance Use Disorders in Older Adults

Samer El Hayek; Luna Geagea; Hussein El Bourji; Tamara Kadi; Farid Talih

doi:10.1016/j.cger.2021.07.011

Prevention Strategies of Alcohol and Substance Use Disorders in Older Adults

Clin Geriatr Med. 2022 Feb;38(1):169-179. doi: 10.1016/j.cger.2021.07.011.

Authors

Samer El Hayek¹, Luna Geagea², Hussein El Bourji³, Tamara Kadi³, Farid Talih⁴

Affiliations

¹ Department of Psychiatry, American University of Beirut, P.O. Box: 11-0236, Riad El-Solh 1107 2020, Beirut, Lebanon. Electronic address: https://twitter.com/samerelhayek.
² Department of Psychiatry, American University of Beirut, P.O. Box: 11-0236, Riad El-Solh 1107 2020, Beirut, Lebanon.
³ American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon.
⁴ Department of Psychiatry, American University of Beirut, P.O. Box: 11-0236, Riad El-Solh 1107 2020, Beirut, Lebanon. Electronic address: Ft10@aub.edu.lb.

PMID: 34794700
DOI: 10.1016/j.cger.2021.07.011

Abstract

Older adults are increasingly engaging in unhealthy substance use. Owing to aging and comorbid medical conditions, older adults are at increased risk of adverse effects from alcohol, tobacco, and illicit drug use. Preventative measures, regular screening, and appropriate intervention can protect older adults from the negative outcomes of substance use and potentially improve their quality of life. This article reviews the latest trends of substance use in older adults, impact on health, and the best practice approaches for the clinical assessment of substance use disorders in this age group.

Keywords: Addiction; Assessment; Older adults; Prevention; Screening; Substance use disorder.

Publication types

Review

MeSH terms

Aged
Aging
Humans
Mass Screening
Quality of Life*
Substance-Related Disorders* / epidemiology
Substance-Related Disorders* / prevention & control