Objective: To present the rational for treating substance misuse and mental health problems simultaneously. To demonstrate the benefit to clients when the psychologist or psychiatrist, general practitioner, addiction therapist, work with a consistency in suppporting a harm reduction approach. This results in resolving the dilemma of older persons having to be abstinant from addictive substances as a criterion for psychotherapy. Conversely, the addiction therapist accepts working with older persons who may be prescribed mood altering medication as a component of treatment of depression or dementia.
Materials and Methods: Based on a review of literature addressing treatment modalities in older adults with dementia or depression, and of addiction treatment options; outcomes for both group and individual therapy, we will present the case for using a harm reduction approach that removes the supposition that progress and problem resolution can only occur when the client is abstinent.
Conclusion: When provided with the opportunity to collaborate on a client centered model, all involved disiplines agreed that service to clients improved, that cross learning resulted in greater awareness and earlier identifcation of older persons both in substance misuse, depression and dementia.
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