Recent advances in addictive disorders. Special populations. Women, ethnic minorities, and the elderly.

The term special populations in the field of substance abuse refers to groups of patients who have unique treatment needs or who are underserved. This article reviews recent advances in substance abuse among three special population groups: women, ethnic minorities, and the elderly. The prevalence, problems with identification, issues in treatment, and treatment outcomes of substance abuse are discussed separately for each group. Finally, the heterogeneity of characteristics within each special population group is emphasized.