SMART Recovery
SMART Recovery
Older Adults: Unseen. Untreated. Misdiagnosed.
Older Adults: Unseen. Untreated. Misdiagnosed.
Older Adults: Unseen. Untreated. Misdiagnosed.
Monday 17th May 2021
Brett Saarela discusses the unique challenges older adults face with addiction and mental health in this insightful episode of the SMART Recovery® Podcast.
45 minutes
Informative
Empowering
Hopeful
Compassionate
Transformative
About this podcast
Author:
SMART Recovery
Overview:
Categories:
Sobriety Toolkit
Innovative Treatments & Recovery Paths
Family Recovery from Addiction
Body & Mind
Financial Health in Recovery
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Episodes:
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Get the buttons here!Unveiling the Hidden Struggles of Older Adults in Addiction and Mental Health
For those who don't know, uh, Peter Falk, the actor, played a great detective who was kind of frumpy, kind of you know, but really casual, really a character, and what I remember from that is he would often be leaving the room or the interview and then he would stop for one second and say, oh oh, just one more thing, and then he would lay a question on him. Um, so there's motivational interviewing, kind of, in a nutshell.
Imagine reaching your golden years and still grappling with addiction and mental health issues. Brett Saarela, a licensed clinical social worker from New York, dives into this often-ignored topic in this episode of the SMART Recovery® Podcast. Brett's journey from personal and family experiences with mental health and substance use to becoming a passionate advocate for older adults is nothing short of inspiring.
Her role as Vice President of the SMART Recovery Board of Directors and her involvement in the SMART International Board of Directors highlight her dedication to this cause. Brett shares her insights on why the term 'geriatrics' can be problematic, and she discusses the barriers that prevent older adults from receiving proper diagnosis and treatment. One of the standout moments is Brett's discussion on life review in addiction recovery.
She recounts a touching story of a client who found peace by reflecting on her past, showcasing how revisiting one's life can be a powerful tool in recovery. This episode also delves into the importance of motivational interviewing, a cornerstone of SMART Recovery, and offers guidance for family and friends supporting older loved ones facing substance use issues.
Brett's narrative is not just informative but also deeply moving, shedding light on the unique challenges faced by older adults and the compassionate care they deserve.