Substance use disorders intervention with LGBT elders

Abstract

Substance use disorders (SUDs) and mental health problems frequently co-occur. SUDs are one of the most common psychiatric diagnoses in older adults. The purpose of this chapter is to discuss SUDs among LGBT elders. Information is presented on the scope of SUDs, prevalence and patterns of use, SUDs and aging comorbidity, assessment, diagnosis, and treatment of LGBT elders. This chapter provides the reader with a baseline for understanding issues that impact and influence LGBT elders’ substance use. There is no suggestion that LGBT status is synonymous with addiction or mental illness disorders. Thus, the chapter explores the extent to which SUDs exist among LGBT elders.