Search

As alcohol and other drug disorders become acknowledged as major problems, the need increases for current information on the scope of the problem and appropriate treatment. This TIP serves to educate treatment providers with information about older adults who, in general, are more likely to hide their substance abuse, less likely to seek professional help, and mistake symptoms of substance abuse for another ailment. It brings together literature on substance abuse and gerontology to recommend best practices for identifying, screening, assessing, and treating alcohol, prescription drugs, and other medication abuse among people age 60 and older. Brief intervention is recommended as the first step of treatment, followed by motivational interviewing, and intervention. Brief interventions may include motivation for change strategies, patient education, assessment and direct feedback, contracting and goal setting, and behavioral modification techniques. Treatment programs take a holistic approach since a number of interrelated emotional, social, medical, and spiritual problems characterize older adults' experiences with substance abuse. It also includes information on cognitive-behavioral, group, individual, and family therapy approaches to treatment. Appendixes include: "Legal and Ethical Issues,""Tools,""Bibliography,""Resource Panel," and "Field Reviewers." (Contains 19 figures and approximately 400 resources.) (JDM)

This TIP contains information on the best practice guidelines on case management for substance abuse treatment providers. It serves to educate program coordinators and facilitators about the factors to consider as they decide to modify or implement case management activities. Many substance abuse clients arrive for treatment with a number of other social problems and mental health disorders. The TIP explains how the coordinated approach of case management lends itself to the treatment of substance abuse. It states that the comprehensive continuum of services is designed to provide engagement and motivation, primary treatment services, and support services that will enable individuals to maintain long-term sobriety while managing life in the community. It includes discussion on case management in the community context, evaluation and quality assurance, and what is important to learn about working with the special needs populations. Appendixes include: "Bibliography,""Practice Dimensions,""Managed Healthcare Organizational Readiness Guide and Checklist: Special Report,""Resource Panel," and "Field Reviewers." (Contains 4 figures and approximately 150 resources.) (JDM)

The major goal of this TIP, on the best practice guidelines to improve the treatment of substance abuse, is to provide clinicians, educators, and paraprofessionals with the latest findings concerning domestic violence. The information is intended to educate providers about the needs and behaviors of batterers and survivors, and how to tailor treatment plans accordingly. The focus is on men who abuse their female partners and women who are battered by their male partners. It reports that up to one half of the men who commit acts of domestic violence also have substance abuse problems. Failure to address domestic violence issues among substance abusers can interfere with treatment effectiveness and contribute to relapse. Chapters include information on the survivors of domestic violence, screening and referral of survivors and batterers for additional services, legal issues, coordinated community linkages, and a summary of recommendations. It states that teaching decision-making skills to both the men and women involved in domestic violence is a key aspect of treatment. Appendixes include: "Bibliography,""Federal Confidentiality Regulations,""Instruments,""Sample Personalized Safety Plan for Domestic Violence Survivors,""Hotlines and Other Resources for Domestic Violence and Related Issues,""Resource Panel," and "Field Reviewers." (Contains approximately 200 resources.) (JDM)