Journal of psychoactive drugs
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J Psychoactive Drugs · Jan 2021
Problematic Substance Use, Help-Seeking, and Service Utilization Trajectories among Seniors: An Exploratory Qualitative Study.
Problematic substance use has a significant impact on the health of a large proportion of people aged 65 years and older. Along with population growth, there is an increase in seniors enrolling for treatment in Québec (Canada). This study explores the perspectives of older adults related to their substance use experiences, help-seeking and utilization of addiction treatment services. ⋯ Substance use can be employed as an adaptation strategy to get through hardships or ease loneliness and boredom. Talking to people, such as family, friends or professionals, is important to older adults' developing trust and engaging in a process to change substance use habits. Based upon these results, clinical recommendations to take into account the complex needs of seniors seeking treatment and related to their social environment are formulated.