Alcohol and substance use disorders in the geriatric psychiatry inpatient: Acute treatment, detoxification, and withdrawal

Abstract

Alcohol, benzodiazepines, and opioids are the most common substances responsible for intoxication, withdrawal, and dependence issues in geriatric psychiatry inpatients. Problems with other substances may also present, depending upon the setting, the cultural/demographic environment, and local patterns of substance use (Can Geriatr J 17:5, 2014). Guidelines for acute treatment, detoxification, and withdrawal of these substances in the aging adult are presented, but there is a paucity of research-based evidence and recommendations for this population. Tables summarize the signs of intoxication and its management in the aging adult, as well as signs of withdrawal and associated management considerations.