Addiction in old age

Addiction in old age explained concisely    Addiction in old age, especially addiction to alcohol and sedating medications, has so far received little attention. Age-typical critical life events, e.g., death of relatives, social isolation, and physical limitations due to age-related or chronic diseases, increase the risk of problematic consumption in retirement. Also, people with addiction disorders that have existed since younger years are increasingly aging. Premature need for care and even premature death can be the result.     Addiction disorders are rarely recognized in older people; often, addiction-causing medications are used with incorrect indications (e.g., sedatives), and access to age-appropriate therapies is often difficult. Multimorbidity and polypharmacy, which are particularly observed in older people, complicate the course and worsen the prognosis.    Based on current clinical evidence and experience, this manual offers concrete recommendations for the prevention, diagnosis, and therapy of addiction disorders in old age. They are deliberately designed to be interprofessional, as this complex clinical picture necessitates teamwork. The treatment recommendations are intended to support professionals in developing an understanding and awareness of the various facets of the lives of older people with substance use disorder in order to ensure needs-oriented treatment.