Workshop Summary Report - Best Practices - Treatment and Rehabilitation for Seniors with Substance Use Problems, March 6 and 7, 2003

Overview - Best Practices - Treatment And Rehabilitation For Seniors With Substance Use Problems

Ms. Harlie Outhwaite, Senior Research Analyst with the Office of Demand Reduction provided an overview of the publication Best Practices - Treatment and Rehabilitation for Seniors with Substance Use Problems.

A major focus of the Office of Demand Reduction analysis and dissemination of best practices in treatment and rehabilitation related to substance use problems. The best practices on seniors and substance use problems is one of several initiatives in recent years that targets issues within a population sub-group. Other Best Practices have included fetal alcohol syndrome, concurrent mental health and substance use disorders, women, youth, and cocaine use.

The rationale for undertaking this project was that seniors comprise an increasing proportion of Canada's population and they have certain risk and protective factors that are best addressed in age-specific services and programs. Given the aging population, understanding the best practices for such services is currently a priority in the substance use treatment sector.

Best Practices - Treatment and Rehabilitation for Seniors with Substance Use Problems is a synthesis of Canadian and international literature and key expert interviews. It addresses service delivery issues, including prevalence and patterns of use, service philosophy, treatment issues, program components and future research and policy considerations. It also provides an inventory of specialized substance use treatment and rehabilitation programs for seniors in Canada. The document is intended for service providers, program planners and other related professionals who work with seniors with substance use problems. It is also a resource for seniors, their families their caregivers, and the general public.