Profile of elderly women seeking treatment for substance use disorders at a tertiary care treatment center

Abstract

Introduction: Elderly women comprise of a unique subpopulation of people who use drugs. However, literature on the profile of elderly women seeking treatment is scarce. Materials and methods: This retrospective chart review included 16 elderly (>60 years of age) women subjects seeking outpatient treatment at a tertiary care substance use treatment center located in North India. Information pertaining to their sociodemographics and substance use were extracted from available records. Results: The mean age of subjects was 63.63 ± 4.92 years (range 60–75 years). Most of the subjects were Hindu (14/16), married (13/16), illiterate (11/16), housewives (12/16), and coming from an urban background (11/16). Most common substances of abuse were tobacco (8/16) followed by opioids (05/16). Mean duration of opioid use was 3.20 ± 2.68. Only four patients reported comorbid psychiatric illness. None of the patients had sought treatment in the past. Conclusion: Elderly women substance users have a distinct profile. Interventions specifically targeted to them are required, especially in Indian settings.