Motivational strategies with alcohol-involved older adults: Implications for social work practice

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.