Variation among aging alcoholic patients in treatment

The authors compared demographic and clinical features of two groups of old er patients with alcohol use disorders (n = 205 and 124) selected before an d after major program changes took place at a clinic designed specifically to treat aging alcoholic patients. Program changes (admission criteria, cas e:finding practices, treatments offered), significantly altered case-mix an d treatment adherence. Results demonstrate variability among older alcoholi c patients as well as the impact of program policies and practices on patie nt profiles and treatment responses.