Treatment Approaches for Older Problem Drinkers

Abstract

Recent research suggests that older adults with alcohol problems often drink in response to loneliness, depression, and poor social support networks. Although a variety of approaches such as psychodynamic, Twelve Step, social support, behavioral, and cognitive-behavioral, have been suggested, only those studies involving behavioral and cognitive-behavioral interventions have provided empirical support for treatment effectiveness. Some research also suggests that age-specific group treatment produces better outcomes than when older adults are placed in treatment with younger alcoholics.

Alcohol use disorders in elderly people: fact or fiction?

“…Reactions include flushing of the face, throbbing headache, palpitations, tachycardia, nausea and vomiting. A number of studies recommend that disulfiram should not be prescribed to elderly people because of the increased risk of serious adverse effects due to physical comorbidities and polypharmacy (Dufour & Fuller, 1995;Schonfeld & Dupree, 1995).…”

Cognitive-behavioral interventions with older adults: Integrating clinical and gerontological research.

“…In a review of psychological studies, Schonfeld and Dupree (1995) found some evidence for the effectiveness of CBT over 12-step and social support models. However, not all the reviewed studies that supported cognitive and behavioral treatment included control groups (e.g., Dupree, Broskowski, & Schonfeld, 1984).…”

“…Older adults who misuse alcohol may drink in response to loneliness, depression, and poor social support networks (Schonfeld & Dupree, 1995). As a result, cognitive-behavioral approaches focus on improving the client's life in a variety of ways in addition to abstaining from alcohol.…”

Academic Press is an imprint of Elsevier

“…In a review of psychological interventions, Schonfeld and Dupree (1995) reported evidence for the effectiveness of cognitive and behavioral interventions over 12-step and social support models. Carstensen, Rychtarik, and Prue (1985) found that a behavioral treatment program for older males was successful in maintaining treatment gains at a 2-year follow-up.…”