When we talk about substance misuse (alcohol or drug abuse, drug addiction or alcoholism), often it is underage drinkers or people under 40 who come to mind. But there is a huge population of seniors who also struggle with substance misuse, and if they’re struggling, so are their family members, friends, and care givers struggling with how to help them.
SAMHSA (Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration) has created several products to help seniors and their caregivers, family members, and friends better understand the extent of the problem, how to identify it, and what to do about it. Below you will find descriptions and easy click access to a four of them.
Helps service providers for the aging learn more about alcohol and medication misuse and mental health problems in older adults to address these issues more effectively. Provides tools such as a program coordinator’s guide, suggested curricula, and handouts.
Designed to increase awareness among older adult consumers about possible problems related to the misuse of alcohol, prescription drugs, and over-the-counter drugs. Lists signs of misuse and suggests actions older adults can take to avoid or deal with problems.
Provides substance abuse counselors and treatment providers with background and how-to guidelines for introducing relapse prevention to older adults. Presents nine group therapy modules involving cognitive behavioral therapy and self-management intervention.
Provides two screening tools for use with older adults: the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test–Consumption brief screening tool and the Short Michigan Alcoholism Screening Test, Geriatric Version. One pocket-sized questionnaire is for primary care physicians, and the other can be used by nonmedical professionals.
by Lisa Frederiksen
When we talk about substance misuse (alcohol or drug abuse, drug addiction or alcoholism), often it is underage drinkers or people under 40 who come to mind. But there is a huge population of seniors who also struggle with substance misuse, and if they’re struggling, so are their family members, friends, and care givers struggling with how to help them.
SAMHSA (Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration) has created several products to help seniors and their caregivers, family members, and friends better understand the extent of the problem, how to identify it, and what to do about it. Below you will find descriptions and easy click access to a four of them.
Helps service providers for the aging learn more about alcohol and medication misuse and mental health problems in older adults to address these issues more effectively. Provides tools such as a program coordinator’s guide, suggested curricula, and handouts.
Designed to increase awareness among older adult consumers about possible problems related to the misuse of alcohol, prescription drugs, and over-the-counter drugs. Lists signs of misuse and suggests actions older adults can take to avoid or deal with problems.
Provides substance abuse counselors and treatment providers with background and how-to guidelines for introducing relapse prevention to older adults. Presents nine group therapy modules involving cognitive behavioral therapy and self-management intervention.
Provides two screening tools for use with older adults: the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test–Consumption brief screening tool and the Short Michigan Alcoholism Screening Test, Geriatric Version. One pocket-sized questionnaire is for primary care physicians, and the other can be used by nonmedical professionals.