Older adult in methadone treatment: socio-economic status and chronicity

Introduction: People on methadone treatment are aging, becoming chronic and increasing the presence of chronic diseases. Aim: To examine the characteristics of older adults in treatment with methadone in relation to determine socio-economic status, chronic diseases and how to tackle this chronicity. Method: A scoping review was conducted for articles published since 2004 up to May 2020, in English and in Spanish. Results: This process left twenty-five documents. The 66,6 % were from the North America. Fourteen publications referred to the factors determining so- cio-economic status: increase in mean age, economic instability, social exclusion, and stigma. Only one had a gender perspective approach. Nineteen publications referred to chronic physical and mental diseases. In relation to tackling chronicity, were found sixteen publications: multidisciplinary care and participation in the treatment were apprecia- ted as something important. Conclusions: The increasing age of people who are on methadone treatment and their specific needs is evident, so it will be necessary to adapt care and resources. Owing to the scarcity of studies found, especially beyond the North American continent, this phenomenon requires further study, most particularly from a qualitative approach and a gender perspective, to benefit from the point of view of those receiving the treatment.