Older adult substance abusers have been identified at an increasing rate in the United States over the last several years, a trend that is expected to continue as the population ages. Consequently, the question of whether older adults are being effectively treated for substance abuse has emerged as an important policy concern. Despite this, relatively few researchers have focused solely on an older adult population and the organizational determinants that may influence their treatment outcomes. Therefore, this study addressed the research gap by exploring the effects of age and organizational determinants on substance abuse treatment outcomes for older adults in Maine.

Using a sample of 3,451 older adult treatment clients (age 55 – 92), regression results showed that older age, treatment experience, and group-only therapy had significantly positive effects on older adult treatment outcomes. Contrary to theoretical and empirical expectations, older clients who attended private treatment organizations had better outcomes than older clients who attended nonprofit treatment organizations.

The results of this study support research findings indicating that at least some aspects of the U.S. substance abuse treatment system are effective for older adults. Although the results showed that group therapy was beneficial for older adults, it remains unclear as to whether tailored groups according to one's age are effective or even desirable. Consequently, it is recommended that public policymakers and substance abuse professionals use caution before recommending “age appropriate” programming. In addition, because the results of this research find that private treatment organizations were more effective for older adults and because the Older American's Act indicates a preference for the use of community, nonprofit organizations, further examination of organizational ownership status and its influence on older adult treatment outcomes is warranted.