Citation

Lemke S, Moos RH. J. Stud. Alcohol 2003; 64(2): 219-226.

Affiliation

Center for Health Care Evaluation and Program Evaluation and Resource Center, (152-MPD), Veterans Affairs Palo Alto Health Care System, 795 Willow Road, Menlo Park, California 94025, USA. Sonne.Lemke@med.va.gov

Copyright

(Copyright © 2003, Rutgers Center of Alcohol Studies)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

12713195

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: To determine whether older patients with alcohol use disorders receive equitable treatment in community residential facilities. METHOD: Older male veterans with alcohol use disorders who were treated in 63 community residential facilities (CRFs) were matched with young and middle-aged male veterans in these programs (n = 190 in each age group) on demographic variables and dual-diagnosis status. Patients were assessed at program intake and were followed 1 year and 4 years after treatment entry. Program staff provided information on use of services and on program characteristics. RESULTS: Although they had similar alcohol consumption and dependence symptoms at treatment entry, older patients experienced fewer alcohol-related problems and had fewer symptoms of psychological distress than did young and middle-aged patients. Controlling for initial differences, older patients did at least as well as young and middle-aged patients at both follow-ups. Older, middle-aged and young patients had equivalent treatment involvement in the CRF, participation in continuing outpatient care and involvement in self-help groups. Similar factors predicted better outcomes for older and younger patients, including a longer stay in the CRF, more counseling, involvement in supportive relationships with other residents, continuing outpatient substance abuse care and participation in self-help groups following residential treatment. Both older and younger patients showed similar benefits across varied treatment orientations. CONCLUSIONS: Older patients fare at least as well as younger patients in these age-integrated, community-based programs, and they respond in similar ways to treatment experiences and program factors.

Language: en