Older adults with problematic substance use: a scoping review on welfare service needs and barriers to treatment

Purpose Problematic substance use among older adults is rapidly becoming a global issue, impacting not only health but all aspects of an individual’s life, highlighting the importance of welfare services. This paper aims to study the interconnections of welfare services and problematic substance use of older adults. Design/methodology/approach The study is a scoping review as it is helpful in identifying gaps in knowledge and getting an overview of literature. Findings Older adults have a heightened risk of substance-related harm due to age-related sensitivities, and their treatment needs are diverse. Many older adults do not see their drinking as problematic and avoid seeking help to escape labels such as being an alcoholic. The importance of gender in explaining substance use was widely acknowledged but rarely addressed. Ageism also hinders recognising substance use problems and implementing interventions and treatments effective for younger people may not suit older adults. Originality/value Problematic substance use creates not only health related consequences to older adults but affects their entire life. Despite this, most studies have addressed the problematic substance use of older adults from the health and health services point of view. This review has a wider approach.