How to diagnose and treat chemical dependency in the elderly

1. It is difficult to assess what percentage of the older population is chemically dependent; available literature cites between 2% and 70% of adults over age 60 have illnesses or other serious consequences as a result of alcohol abuse. 2. It is often difficult to differentiate between the signs and symptoms of chemical dependency and other physical, emotional, and social changes that occur with aging. 3. Chemical dependency often goes unrecognized in the older adult because of poor assessment skills and tools available to health-care professionals. 4. Once identified and treated, the recovery rate of the older adult alcoholic is equal to that of the younger alcoholic; however, there are specific treatment needs unique to the older adult that must be recognized and addressed in rehabilitation programs.