TY  - JOUR
PY  - 2020//
TI  - Treatment needs and service utilization in older U.S. adults evidencing high-risk substance use
JO  - Journal of aging and health
A1  - Fairman, Kathleen A.
A1  - Early, Nicole K.
SP  - ePub
EP  - ePub
VL  - ePub
IS  - ePub
N2  - 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>
LA  - en
SN  - 0898-2643
UR  - http://dx.doi.org/10.1177/0898264320929537
ID  - ref1
ER  -