Treatment outcomes for alcohol dependence among middle-aged and older adults.
OBJECTIVE
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.


METHODS
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.
Oslin
David W
DW
Section of Geriatric Psychiatry, Department of Psychiatry, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, United States. oslin@mail.med.upenn.edu
Slaymaker
Valerie J
VJ
Blow
Frederic C
FC
Owen
Patricia L
PL
Colleran
Carol
C
D000367:Age Factors; D000368:Aged; D000437:Alcoholism / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D017831:Diagnosis, Dual (Psychiatry); D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010349:Patient Compliance; D011446:Prospective Studies; D011569:Psychiatric Status Rating Scales; D011594:Psychometrics; D012047:Rehabilitation Centers; D016896:Treatment Outcome