Some barriers to receiving treatment were presented at a professional development recently attended by Ad care. Speakers Kirk and MacDonald (2016) identified some barriers to treatment are transportation, and financial limitations. Most insurances may cover substance abuse treatment but Older Adults may have to pay a copayment for daily treatment which could be a barrier due to Older Adults being on a limited income. Another barrier for accepting treatment is Older Adults may not want to go treatment and be with their younger counterparts. One problem with regards to Older Adults and substance abuse, is families may be enabling their substance use, instead of helping without even knowing it. A common problem is family members buying alcohol
…show more content…
According to SAMHSA (2016) people with mental disorders are more likely to experience a substance use disorder and people with a substance use disorder are more likely to have a mental disorder when compared with the general population. In my experience substance abuse and mental health issues are the leading underlying issues in elder abuse. Wadd et al (2014) support this finding. It suggests alcohol misuse frequently co-exists with elder abuse and alcohol misuse by an older person or caregiver. The study reveals there is a need to challenge ageist and myths relating to older people’s alcohol consumption and suitable proactive responses. Finally, the study suggests, social workers may need help judging where the balance of ‘risks’ and rights’ lies with older people with alcohol problems. If the mental health issue is being treated and it isn’t getting better one question that should be asked is it because of a substance abuse …show more content…
Educating ourselves and others about what substance abuse is, what the new issues around opioid addiction are, what are the myths, barriers and treatment options available for Older Adults. Reviewing all of these and looking at what many of the other states are doing to try to limit the deaths in this epidemic. We have a lot of improving to do to recognize substance abuse in Older Adults, to ensure there are adequate treatment centers to assist in the future years to come. We need to work on the barriers preventing Older Adults for seeking and accepting treatment. This is a beginning point in this larger issue. The need continues to grow and will remain unaddressed for Older Adults unless there is an increase in the resources to help the Older
According to SAMHSA (2016) people with mental disorders are more likely to experience a substance use disorder and people with a substance use disorder are more likely to have a mental disorder when compared with the general population. In my experience substance abuse and mental health issues are the leading underlying issues in elder abuse. Wadd et al (2014) support this finding. It suggests alcohol misuse frequently co-exists with elder abuse and alcohol misuse by an older person or caregiver. The study reveals there is a need to challenge ageist and myths relating to older people’s alcohol consumption and suitable proactive responses. Finally, the study suggests, social workers may need help judging where the balance of ‘risks’ and rights’ lies with older people with alcohol problems. If the mental health issue is being treated and it isn’t getting better one question that should be asked is it because of a substance abuse …show more content…
Educating ourselves and others about what substance abuse is, what the new issues around opioid addiction are, what are the myths, barriers and treatment options available for Older Adults. Reviewing all of these and looking at what many of the other states are doing to try to limit the deaths in this epidemic. We have a lot of improving to do to recognize substance abuse in Older Adults, to ensure there are adequate treatment centers to assist in the future years to come. We need to work on the barriers preventing Older Adults for seeking and accepting treatment. This is a beginning point in this larger issue. The need continues to grow and will remain unaddressed for Older Adults unless there is an increase in the resources to help the Older