Older adult treatment outcome following elder-specific inpatient alcoholism treatment

This study examined multidimensional 6-month outcomes of elder-specific inpatient alcoholism treatment for 90 participants over the age of 55. At baseline, physical health functioning was similar to that reported by seriously medically ill inpatients in other studies while psychosocial functioning was worse, and nearly one third of the sample had comorbid psychiatric disorders. Based on 6-month outcomes, participants were classified into the following groups: Abstainers, Non-Binge Drinkers, and Binge Drinkers. The groups did not differ on any baseline measures (demographics, drinking history, alcohol symptoms and age of onset, comorbidity, or length of treatment). General health improved between baseline and follow-up for all groups. Psychological distress decreased for Abstainers and Non-Binge Drinkers, but did not change for Binge Drinkers. Results suggest that a large percentage of older adults who receive elder-specific treatment attain positive outcomes across a range of outcome measures.