DIAGNOSIS AND ASSESSMENT OF SUBSTANCE-ABUSE IN OLDER ADULTS - CURRENTSTRATEGIES AND ISSUES

Alcohol and substance abuse in older adults until recently has receive d little empirical attention in the literature. However, in light of t he increasing number of older adults in the population, clinicians and researchers alike are recognizing the importance of evaluating specif ic assessment and treatment strategies for such older substance abuser s. Because distinctive biological, cognitive, and psychosocial variabl es appear to be correlated with substance abuse in older adults, evalu ation and intervention methods employed with younger cohorts may be in appropriate or ineffective with individuals 55 and over. Our article, therefore, examines these characteristics as they pertain to the uniqu e problems and service needs of the elderly. Relevant diagnostic and a ssessment strategies are reviewed. Finally, suggestions for future wor k in this area are outlined.