67th Annual Conference

Thursday, February 25

Early Morning Colloquies

Colloquy 3

Senior Recovery: A Group Based Approach to Treating Older Adults with Substance Abuse Problems

Presenter:

William Shapiro, Psy.D., CGP, Program Director, Psychiatry Outpatient Services, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Substance abuse disorders in older adults are a growing problem that only promises to increase as baby boomers age. This session will present an age-specific, group based, treatment program for dually diagnosed patients, which addresses the psychological, social and health problems specific to older adults.  

Learning Objectives:

The attendee will be able to:

1. Identify barriers to recognition of substance abuse disorders in older adults.
2. Describe cognitive and physical effects of substance abuse on older adults.
3. Discuss intervention strategies specific to older adults.
4. Describe a group-based model for treating substance abuse disorders in older adults.
 

Course References:

Barry, K.L., Oslin, D.W., and Blow, F.C. (2001). Prevention and Management of Alcohol Problems in Older Adults. New York: Springer Publishing Company.

Blow, F.C. (Ed.) Treatment Improvement Protocol 26: Substance Abuse Among Older Adults. (1998). Pub. No. (SMA) 98-3179. Rockville, MD: Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration.

Colleran, C. and Jay, D. (2002). Aging and Addiction: Helping Older Adults Overcome Alcohol or Medication Dependence. Center City, MN: Hazelden Publishing.