Geriatrics: Substance Use and Co-occurring Disorders in the Older Adult

Course overview

Older adults who use alcohol or drugs may also have a co-occurring health problem or mental disorder. These patients often have common characteristics that may include being unmarried, early onset of substance use as a younger adult, less than average education and income, existence of a chronic mental illness, and poor social and spiritual support. Retirement with a sudden change in job status, loss of co-workers, and declining health are all factors that are typical of older adults who are diagnosed with substance misuse and a co-occurring physical or mental disorder. The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) has reported that older adults often lack the social support needed to recognize and to manage a co-occurring health or mental disorder, and they require assistance to be properly screened, diagnosed, and offered options for recovery and a plan of care to achieve optimal health.