AIMS: The purpose of this study was to examine differences in the clinical presentation and treatment outcomes of older adults with a diagnosis of alcohol dependence compared to middle-aged adults. DESIGN: The study is a prospective naturalistic study. Participants included 1358 patients admitted to a residential rehabilitation program for alcohol dependence. RESULTS: Older adults entering an alcohol rehabilitation program are less impaired on a number measures of psychiatric distress and addiction severity but more impaired in somatic health. While there were no significantly different outcomes in abstinence rates at 1 month, older adults engaged in formal post-discharge aftercare less than middle-aged adults. CONCLUSIONS: These results confirm impressions that older adults seeking alcohol treatment may have a lower severity of alcohol dependence compared to those at younger ages. However, results suggest that traditional outpatient substance abuse care is not accepted at the same rates as middle-aged adults. The low rates of engagement suggest the need for age appropriate treatment options and are potentially of concern if treatment is necessary to maintain short-term success.
AIMS: The purpose of this study was to examine differences in the clinical presentation and treatment outcomes of older adults with a diagnosis of alcohol dependence compared to middle-aged adults. DESIGN: The study is a prospective naturalistic study. Participants included 1358 patients admitted to a residential rehabilitation program for alcohol dependence. RESULTS: Older adults entering an alcohol rehabilitation program are less impaired on a number measures of psychiatric distress and addiction severity but more impaired in somatic health. While there were no significantly different outcomes in abstinence rates at 1 month, older adults engaged in formal post-discharge aftercare less than middle-aged adults. CONCLUSIONS: These results confirm impressions that older adults seeking alcohol treatment may have a lower severity of alcohol dependence compared to those at younger ages. However, results suggest that traditional outpatient substance abuse care is not accepted at the same rates as middle-aged adults. The low rates of engagement suggest the need for age appropriate treatment options and are potentially of concern if treatment is necessary to maintain short-term success.
Authors: Deborah M Capaldi; Stacey S Tiberio; Isaac J Washburn; Karen Yoerger; Alan Feingold Journal: Alcohol Clin Exp Res Date: 2015-05-22 Impact factor: 3.455
Authors: Laura Vismara; Fabio Presaghi; Maria Bocchia; Rosolino Vico Ricci; Massimo Ammaniti Journal: Front Psychiatry Date: 2019-11-06 Impact factor: 4.157