Substance Misuse and the Older Offender.

Substance misuse is prevalent among older adults involved in the criminal justice system. The different classes of older offenders, primarily defined as individuals 50 years and older, as well as their offending behaviors vary in their association with substance misuse. Most prison health care systems do not adequately integrate substance use services. Screening for and treatment of substance misuse should be part of comprehensive mental health programs tailored to older offenders. This article reviews different types of offenses among older offenders, their association with substance misuse, and available treatment services.