MNCLHD

MNCLHD

Wednesday, December 27, 2017

Opioid Dependence in Older Adults

A literature review of relevant material was conducted in November 2015 to assess current outcome research among older adults treated for opioid dependence. Most research conducted on older adults involves alcohol and prescription medications. Older drug users are growing in number and have a unique profile, with many presenting for treatment for the first time aged 50–70 years. Findings reveal that opioid treatment numbers are decreasing, however the average age of treatment admissions is increasing, older clients achieve better treatment outcomes than younger counterparts, and older women achieve better treatment outcomes than men.
Addiction and healthcare services must anticipate and prepare for increased demand by this group.

Carew, A.M., Comiskey, C. M. (2018).Treatment for opioid use and outcomes in older adults: a systematic literature review. Drug and Alcohol Dependence, 182(Jan), 48-57. [open access]  

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