Motivational Strategies with Alcohol-Involved Older Adults: Implications for Social Work Practice

Authors: Meredith Hanson; Irene A. Gutheil

Source: Social Work, Volume 49, Number 3, July 2004 , pp. 364-372(9)

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Abstract:

Social workers and other health care professionals address problem drinking by older adults inconsistently. Reasons include client-related variables (for example, denial and poor information), practitioner-related factors (for example, inadequate knowledge about addictive behaviors, underdeveloped assessment tools, and limited empirically validated treatment options), and societal factors associated with "ageism." This article explores the nature and extent of problem drinking among older adults and barriers to assistance. The article outlines practice strategies that draw on motivational interviewing principles and a client's motivational readiness to change for reaching out to older adults, assessing their needs, and encouraging them to seek assistance.

Keywords: ALCOHOL TREATMENT; MOTIVATIONAL INTERVIEWING; OLDER ADULTS; OUTREACH

Document Type: Research article

Publication date: 2004-07-01

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Social Work is the premiere journal of the social work profession. Widely read by practitioners, faculty, and students, it is the official journal of NASW and is provided to all members as a membership benefit. Social Work is dedicated to improving practice and advancing knowledge in social work and social welfare. Its articles yield new insights into established practices, evaluate new techniques and research, examine current social problems, and bring serious critical analysis to bear on problems in the profession. Major emphasis is placed on social policy and the solutions to serious human problems.
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