Addiction in old age: a better quality of life thanks to substitution treatment

Thanks to medical progress and the federal government's 'four-pillar' policy, Switzerland now offers a wide range of addiction support services. Harm-reduction measures, such as methadone- and heroin-based substitution treatment, have made a decisive contribution to improving the quality of life and the biopsychosocial stability of people suffering from addiction. This social and medical support is now proving effective: people with opiate dependence are living longer. Nevertheless, in addition to the chronic nature of their opiate dependence, they frequently suffer from comorbid conditions and disability. It is anticipated that a large proportion of this group will be dependent on care in old age and when in need of nursing care. This paper addresses questions regarding appropriate support and dignified ageing for people with substance use disorders.