Identify myths and realities of Alcohol, Medications, and Mental Conditions which make up the mix of an ‘invisible problem’, define common medical diagnoses in older adults and preventing medication and alcohol misuse, and determine how to address comorbid mental health conditions to help our clients maintain a healthy outlook on life
Upon completion of this training, participants will be able to:
- Recognize the unique risk factors and challenges associated with substance use in older adults
- Differentiate between types of older adult substance users and common substances of concern
- Utilize screening tools and assessment strategies appropriate for older adults
- Apply evidence-based therapeutic interventions for older adults with substance use disorders
Syllabus:
Objective #1: Understanding Substance Use in the Elderly
- Define use, misuse, and abuse with clinical examples
- Explore why substance use in older adults is underdiagnosed and often invisible
- Review the growing prevalence of substance use disorders in adults over 60
Objective #2: Biopsychosocial Risk Factors and Distinctions
- Examine chronic health conditions, cognitive impairment, and medication polypharmacy
- Understand social isolation, loss, frailty, and health disparities as contributing factors
- Discuss the impact of ageism and cultural stigma on identification and treatment
Objective #3: Two Types of Elderly Substance Users
- Define and differentiate “Hardy Survivors” and “Late Onset” users
- Explore personal histories and case studies reflecting both user groups
- Analyze the influence of life events, grief, and trauma on substance use patterns
Objective #4: Common Substances of Concern
- Alcohol as the primary substance misuse issue in older adults
- Benzodiazepines and risks including falls, cognitive decline, and dependency
- Opioids and the impact of the opioid crisis on elderly populations
Objective #5: Physical and Mental Health Impacts
- Effects of substance use on motor function, cognition, and chronic disease
- Risks of overdose and interactions with prescribed medications
- Difficulties in recognizing signs of misuse due to symptom overlap with aging
Objective #6: Effective Identification and Screening Strategies
- Importance of family, caregivers, and non-medical staff in early detection
- Brief screening tools: PHQ-9, GAD-7, AUDIT-C, CAM, ORT
- Use of ASAM criteria for placement and treatment planning
Objective #7: Evidence-Based Interventions
- Motivational Interviewing: techniques, readiness for change, and respectful collaboration
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy: skills training, thought reframing, and relapse prevention
- Integrating MI and CBT for effective client engagement and empowerment
Objective #8: Legal and Ethical Considerations
- Balancing client autonomy with provider duty to intervene
- Confidentiality and privacy concerns in substance use disclosures
- Federal and state legal protections and professional responsibilities
Resources and Continuing Care Strategies
- Connection to geriatric mental health and substance use professionals
- Addressing social support, transportation, and caregiver involvement
- Recommended toolkits and evidence-based programs for follow-up
Social workers completing this course receive 2 Clinical asynchronous continuing education credits.
For other board approvals, this course qualifies for 2 Clinical continuing education training.
Instructor: Dr. Paul Hardy, D.Min. NMAC, CSAC
Recording Date: 4/08/2024
CEUS On-Demand, LLC, provider #2274, is approved as an ACE provider to offer social work continuing education by the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) Approved Continuing Education (ACE) program. Regulatory boards are the final authority on courses accepted for continuing education credit. ACE provider approval period: 08/7/2026 - 08/6/2027. Social workers completing this course receive 2hrs Clinical continuing education credits.
CEUs On-Demand, LLC has been approved by NBCC as an Approved Continuing Education Provider, ACEP No. 7091. Programs that do not qualify for NBCC credit are clearly identified. CEUs On-Demand, LLC is solely responsible for all aspects of the programs.
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Request for Special Accommodations: Learners can request special accommodations by contacting the administrative team at admin@ceus-ondemand.com