Help Available for Alcoholism Among Older Adults

The number of older adults admitted to substance-abuse treatment facilities has more than doubled since 1992, according to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. While many factors are involved, a common denominator is that recognition and especially treatment often fall short.

“The impact is that these people are probably going to need a little more support," said Sally King, Older Adult Care coordinator for Tri-County Mental Health Services.

King, who works with both individuals and organizations serving older adults, said a major gap has been easy access to training for everything from nursing homes to church groups. That gap was recently closed in a big way with information readily available on the Internet through the Mid-Atlantic Alcohol and Aging Awareness Group and a set of three web-based training sessions available 24 hours a day, for free.

For more information on Tri-County’s Older Adult programs and outreach, contact Sally King at (816) 877-0453 or email sallyk@tri-countymhs.org.

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