Addiction in older women: American health care's best-kept secret.

Older women are not immune from alcohol and drug dependence. In fact, substance use disorders are becoming more common in women over 60 and will become a larger public health issue as the baby boomers reach retirement age. Addicted women in their senior years present special challenges in identification and intervention, and have special needs in treatment. Incidence of co-occurring medical and psychiatric problems is increased. They respond best to a compassionate, nonjudgmental counseling approach.