The Authors’ Own Words: Factors associated with substance use in older homeless adults: Results from the HOPE HOME Study

The Authors’ Own Words:

We ask authors to describe their impressions regarding the implications of their accepted work, how their findings will change practice, and what is noteworthy about the work.

Factors associated with substance use in older homeless adults: Results from the HOPE HOME Study

Matthew A. Spinelli, MD; Claudia Ponath, MA; Lina Tieu, MPH; Emily E. Hurstak, MD; David Guzman, MSPH; & Margot Kushel, MD

Substance Abuse Vol. 38, Iss. 1, 2017

“We found high prevalence of illicit substance use in our a sample of homeless adults aged 50 and over compared to previous samples of homeless adults of all ages. In multivariable analysis, we noted the association of psychiatric symptoms and history with risky substance use. Our study highlights the urgent need for programs that can serve older homeless adults with substance use and mental health problems. The Institute of Medicine has noted critical deficiencies in geriatric substance use workforce and treatment programs. 1 As the homeless population ages, health systems and providers will be tasked with understanding, developing services for, and treating the special needs of older homeless adults with substance use disorders.”
1. Eden J MK, Le M, Blazer D. The Mental Health and Substance Use Workforce for Older Adults: In Whose Hands?. Committee on the Mental Health Workforce for Geriatric Populations; Board on Health Care Services; Institute of Medicine. 2012;Washington (DC): National Academies Press (US).