Substance use, misuse, and abuse among older adults: implications for clinical mental health counsel

Target audience and instructional level of this course: intermediate

There is no known conflict of interest or commercial support related to this CE program.

Course Description

The projected increase of substance use problems among older adults suggests a need for heightened awareness among clinical mental health counselors as they treat this population. This article (a) discusses the prevalence, vulnerabilities, and consequences of misuse and abuse of alcohol, prescription drugs, and illicit substances; b) reviews age-specific counseling considerations and approaches to assessment, diagnosis, and intervention; and (c) calls for more attention to the subject in training and research.

Learning Objectives

After completing this training the professional will:

• Describe the prevalence, vulnerabilities, and consequences of misuse and abuse of alcohol, prescription drugs, and illicit substances among older adults.
• Identify counseling considerations and approaches to assessment, diagnosis, and intervention for older adults with substance use disorders.

Wanda P. Briggs, Ph.D.
Winthrop University

Virginia A. Magnus, Ph.D.
University of Tennessee Chattanooga
Pam Lassiter, Ph.D.
Amanda Patterson, LMHC
Lydia Smith, Ph.D.
University of North Carolina Charlotte

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