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Cultural humility - Older adult

Substance use among older adults: Prevalence and treatment approaches

Rates of alcohol and substance use are increasing among older adults. Additionally, the COVID-19 pandemic had a disproportionate impact on older adults, particularly around social isolation, increasing concerns about substance use among older adults. This training will focus on the prevalence of alcohol, cannabis, and opioid use among older adults, as well as best practices for assessment and intervention. Older adults are often underdiagnosed and undertreatment for substance use disorders. Upon completion of this training, attendees will be aware of common signs of substance use among older adults, appropriate substance use assessments for older adults, and a variety of evidence-based treatment approaches that can be used with this population.

Learning objectives

  • Explain one reason why older adults are more sensitive to substances with age. 
  • Identify two appropriate assessments for older adults with substance use. 
  • Explain two potential reasons why older adults begin using substances.  
  • Apply one evidence-based treatment to a case scenario of an older adult with substance use problems.

 

Register:

County employees, register by clicking on the blue registration button.
County partners, register at sccgov.org/scclearn-partner (required for CEs)

Registration and cancellation close at 9am two working days prior to training. You will be recorded as a No-Show in sccLearn if you don't attend and did not cancel the training.
If you have questions, need accommodations, or have a grievance, please contact: [email protected].

Wednesday, June 18, 2025
9:30am - 12:45pm
In-person event
San Jose Scottish Rite Center
2455 Masonic Drive
San Jose, CA 95125-2036
View on map
(408) 792-3900
Register (County employees)

Training materials

Substance use among older adults training flyer