Objectives: To explore studies that have examined the effectiveness of possible interventions to reduce the substance use among older adults.
Methods: From the search, 295 abstracts were identified and 200 were excluded. Ninety-five remaining articles were reviewed, and 90 were excluded after full text review. Nine articles were included after reviewing bibliographic references on the topic. A total of 14 articles, which all met the inclusion criteria, were considered in the review.
Results: All 14 studies found that pharmacological and non-pharmacological interventions can reduce substance use (alcohol, cocaine, nicotine and benzodiazepines) among older adults (mean age 45 years or older).
Conclusions: There are promising possibly pharmacological and non-pharmacological interventions that can be used to reduce substance use among older adults. In addition, other studies are needed to expand the therapeutic arsenal in this population.
Keywords: Substance use; elderly; older adults.