Gaulen, Zhanna and Lunde, Linn-Heidi and Alpers, Silvia Eiken and Carlsen, Siv-Elin Leirvaag (2025) Individuals 45 years and older in opioid agonist treatment: a scoping review. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 22, (3), 458. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph22030458.
External website: https://www.mdpi.com/1660-4601/22/3/458
This scoping review explores the unique challenges and needs faced by ageing individuals, aged 45 and above, in opioid agonist treatment (OAT), noting the earlier onset of age-related impairments among this population. The literature search was conducted in PsycINFO, EMBASE, MEDLINE, CINAHL, and Web of Science. A total of 28 observational studies were included. Five topics were identified: health, treatment, substance use, demographic, and social aspects. Findings reveal that, while health and age-related concerns are often discussed in the literature, limited attention has been given to gender differences, social factors such as financial issues, and psychological factors, which are also critical aspects of the lives of ageing individuals undergoing OAT. This review emphasizes the importance of expanding research to address these gaps, ultimately aiming to improve their overall well-being.
G Health and disease > State of health > Mental health
HJ Treatment or recovery method > Substance disorder treatment method > Substance replacement method (substitution) > Opioid agonist treatment (methadone maintenance / buprenorphine)
J Health care, prevention, harm reduction and treatment > Risk and protective factors
J Health care, prevention, harm reduction and treatment > Harm reduction > Substance use harm reduction
L Social psychology and related concepts > Life circumstances > Financial (money) difficulties / debt
T Demographic characteristics > Elderly / Older person
T Demographic characteristics > Gender / sex differences
VA Geographic area > International
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