@article{ref1,
title="Treatment needs and service utilization in older U.S. adults evidencing high-risk substance use",
journal="Journal of aging and health",
year="2020",
author="Fairman, Kathleen A. and Early, Nicole K.",
volume="ePub",
number="ePub",
pages="ePub-ePub",
abstract="OBJECTIVES: Because substance misuse by older adults poses clinical risks and has not been recently assessed, we examined substance use patterns, treatment needs, and service utilization in those evidencing high-risk use. <br><br>METHODS: We identified National Survey on Drug Use and Health respondents (2015-2018) aged ≥50 years reporting multiple-occasion binge drinking, illicit drug use, prescription drug misuse, or substance dependence. Past-year psychological symptoms were assessed using validated scales. <br><br>RESULTS: The sample, representing 10.2% of community-dwelling older U.S. adults, evidenced clinically important risks: 65.2% past-month binge drinking, 27.3% mental illness, 14.3% psychological distress, 10.6% combined alcohol/drug use, and 6.5% suicidality. Treatment receipt was uncommon (27.7%), positively associated with distress, and negatively associated with binge drinking. Of those not receiving treatment, 3.8% perceived treatment need. <br><br>DISCUSSION: Findings highlight the value of substance misuse screening and brief interventions, suggesting potential treatment referral opportunities for those evidencing psychological distress.<p /> <p>Language: en</p>",
language="en",
issn="0898-2643",
doi="10.1177/0898264320929537",
url="http://dx.doi.org/10.1177/0898264320929537"
}