ABSTRACT
By the year 2030, officials estimate that 25% of the population will be 60 or older (U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, 1990). Given that the number of older adults is growing so rapidly, it is essential to examine mental health issues in this population. According to prevalence estimates (e.g., Adams & Cox, 1997; Deitch, 1997), a significant number of older adults experience substance abuse problems and interpersonal violence. However, for older adults in particular, problems related to substance abuse or trauma experiences may be overlooked or misdiagnosed by health care professionals and service delivery agencies (e.g., Allers, Benjack, & Allers, 1992; DeHart & Hoffman, 1995; Finney, Moos, & Brennan, 1991; King, Van Hasselt, Segal, & Hersen, 1994). In addition, while researchers have begun to examine how substance abuse and exposure to interpersonal violence impact adults as they age, no research has assessed specifically the relationship between substance abuse and interpersonal violence in older adults. In order to successfully assess and treat this growing population, it is essential that we, as scientist-practitioners, fully understand how substance abuse and interpersonal violence function in the lives of older adults.
