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ABSTRACT
A surprising number of elderly people suffer from substance-related disorders. Many more are at risk for developing poly drug problems due to their misuse and abuse of alcohol in combination with prescription medications and over-the-counter preparations. The purpose of this article is to update social workers on advances in geriatric addictionology by reviewing current epidemiological studies and extracting practice principles. Particular emphasis is placed on what the social work practitioner needs to know about screening elderly clients for substance abuse. The article concludes with specific recommendations to advance social work education and research in the field of addictions treatment.
