Problematic Substance Use, Help-Seeking, and Service Utilization Trajectories among Seniors: An Exploratory Qualitative Study

ABSTRACT

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. In-depth interviews were conducted with 11 seniors receiving addiction treatment in two area in Québec. Thematic analysis highlight that seniors’ experiences, life contexts, and social participation influence their substance use. Help-seeking process can be triggered by realizing the extent of substance use, while barriers and facilitators shape this experience. Utilization of addiction treatment services was mainly perceived positively. Several characteristics and components of services enable seniors to have positive experiences. 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.

KEYWORDS:

• Seniors
• problematic substance use
• help-seeking
• addiction treatment
• healthcare access
• qualitative study

Acknowledgments

The authors acknowledge the supervisors and counselors from the addiction center and all the study participants.

Disclosure statement

The authors declare that there are no potential conflicts of interest.

Notes

1. The names are fictitious to ensure participants’ confidentiality and anonymity.

Additional information

Funding

This article was made possible by scholarship support from the Recherche et intervention sur les substances psychoactives du Québec-RISQ group, the Institut universitaire sur les dépendances, and by University of Montreal.