Journal article
Alcohol and other drug dependence severity
among older adults in treatment: measuring
characteristics and outcomes
The purpose of the present study was to add to the limited but growing literature on the older adult's response to treatment and to examine the utility of a well-known measure of severity, the Addiction Severity Index (ASI), in measuring baseline activity and one-year outcomes among older adults attending residential treatment for alcohol and drug dependence. ASI scores in a number of domains improved significantly over time. Continuous abstinence was maintained by 71% of patients at 6 months and 60% of patients at 12 months after discharge. The ASI captured changes in participant functioning over time, indicating its usefulness as a tool in measuring severity and outcomes among older adults.
See:
Slaymaker, V. J. & Owen, P. (2008). Alcohol and other drug dependence severity among older adults in treatment: measuring characteristics and outcomes. Alcoholism Treatment Quarterly, 26, 259-273.
