Addictions: Specialized Geriatric Information and Approaches

Geriatric Addictions & Concurrent Disorders

We have an aging population in Ontario and as a result can expect an increase in the number of older persons with significant substance misuse issues. Many older persons will seek and obtain treatment in a variety of settings, some in traditional mainstream services and some in more specialized services.

In Ontario we have a small number of agencies that have historically provided specialized addictions service for older persons who have not been able to participate in more mainstream services.  These agencies have come together with the support of the larger Mental Health, Addictions, Dementia and Behavioural Issues Community of Practice, to facilitate knowledge transfer and promote innovation and evidence based/informed practice and treatment for this specialized sub population of older adults with substance use needs and/or concurrent disorders. 

Education & Presentations:

• Geriatric Addictions: An Ontario Needs Survey and Analysis, Canadian Association for Gerontology
• Specialized Addictions Treatment for Older Adults, GMOT Team Exchange Presentation

Related Resources:

• Fact Sheets, The Addictions Sub Group of the SHRTN Collaborative Geriatric Mental Health, Addictions and Behavioural Issues Community of Practice:
  • Fact Sheet 1: Introduction to Older Adults and Substance Use
  • Fact Sheet 2: Management of Alcohol Use Disorders in Older Adults: What Doctors Need to Know
  • Fact Sheet 3: Screening for Alcohol Problems in Older Adults
• Introduction to Older Adults and Substance Abuse: Pocket guide, The Addictions Sub Group of the SHRTN Collaborative Geriatric Mental Health, Addictions and Behavioural Issues Community of Practice
• Mental Health, Addictions, Dementia and Behavioural Issue CoP (This page contains resources related to Mental Health, Dementia and Behavioural Issues)
• Older Adults and Addictions in Ontario: Results from a Provincial Survey of Community Mental Health Agencies