Addiction NI Senior Counsellor Alan Coleman talks about alcohol and older people on NvTv

The interview discusses the issues facing older people in Northern Ireland and raises awareness of alcohol and substance misuse among the over 55′s.

Addiction NI is very proud of our Older Focus and the positive outcomes we see. The Addiction NI Older Focus programme is the longest running in the UK and has been imitated throughout the UK ever since. Addiction NI’s senior counsellor explains that alcohol and older people can be diffiicult as it is a hidden problem and can be especially embarrassing for older women

Addiction NI and independent research papers have concluded that older peoples alcohol and substance misuse is very different from other demographics. As Alan Coleman explains in the interview, older people face unique challenges such as isolation, bereavement, the stress of caring for a partner and ill health. All these contributing factors can trigger older people to turn to alcohol or prescription drugs as a way of coping.

The main message Alan had for the viewers was that it is never too late to change, and that in his experience older people respond just as well to counselling treatment as other age groups. The positive outcomes of Addiction NI’s Older Focus are increased self esteem and confidence and decreased dependence on the substance. Alan has seen his clients join community groups  and even taking up volunteer work after treatment and sees their quality of life come back.

If you would like to support Addiction NI's Older Focus please make a donation and state "Older Focus".

http://addictionni.com/info/donate