Seasoned and Struggling: Substance Use Disorders in Older Adults
Substance use disorders in older adults are frequently undetected, underdiagnosed, and undertreated — partly because the clinical presentation differs from younger populations, and partly because clinicians do not always look. This 2-hour continuing education course prepares mental health professionals to identify and treat substance use disorders in clients over 60: understanding the epidemiology and trends in older adult substance use, the physiological changes that alter how older adults respond to alcohol and drugs, the interaction between substance use and the common mental health presentations of late life (depression, grief, isolation, chronic pain, cognitive decline), evidence-based assessment tools validated for older populations, and treatment approaches that accommodate the developmental, relational, and medical context of aging. Essential for any clinician working with older adult populations.
2
CE Hours
3
Modules
15
Quiz Questions
1
Est. Minutes
What you'll learn
- Explain the pharmacological changes of aging that increase the impact of alcohol and psychoactive medications in older adults
- Differentiate early-onset and late-onset substance use trajectories in older adults and their respective treatment implications
- Apply age-validated screening instruments including the SMAST-G and AUDIT to identify hazardous substance use in older adult clients
- Implement evidence-based interventions including FRAMES brief intervention, Motivational Interviewing, and benzodiazepine tapering protocols with older adults
- Address co-occurring mental health conditions, family enabling dynamics, and culturally informed treatment planning in geriatric substance use care
Who it's for
Licensed Professional Counselors (LPC/LPCC), Licensed Clinical Social Workers (LCSW), Licensed Marriage and Family Therapists (LMFT), Psychologists, Counselors working in geriatric, hospital, or community mental health settings
Approval & credit
CounselorReady is an NBCC-Approved Continuing Education Provider (ACEP #7760). This course awards 2 NBCC-approved CE hours; a certificate is issued on completion. Programs that do not qualify for NBCC credit are clearly identified. CounselorReady is solely responsible for all aspects of the program.