Description

This course provides a comprehensive overview of substance misuse and substance use disorders (SUDs) among older adults. Participants will learn about the unique challenges of substance use in this population, including physiological changes that increase sensitivity and interactions with medications. The course covers common substances misused by older adults, risk factors, and protective factors. Participants will gain skills in recognizing risky substance use using non-judgmental language and effective screening tools. Various treatment options and interventions are explored, including recovery-oriented approaches, harm reduction strategies, and culturally responsive treatment. Throughout the course, participants will develop practical skills for discussing substance use with older adults, making appropriate referrals, and connecting individuals to resources. By the end, participants will be better equipped to address substance use issues in older adults, dispel common myths, and provide compassionate, effective care to improve quality of life for this population.

Learning Objectives

  1. Understand characteristics and prevalence of substance use disorders and substance misuse among older adults
  2. Link substance use to health and social impacts for older adults
  3. Identify risk factors and protective factors; recognize disparities
  4. Learn about common screening tools and treatments
  5. Practice interventions you can use in your work with consumers

Audience

This course is recommended for:

  • Staff and volunteers working in the aging services network (Area Agencies on Aging, Aging and Disability Resource Centers, Aging and People with Disabilities, etc.)

  • Staff in community based organizations

  • Service coordinators in senior housing

  • Mental health counselors, marriage and family therapists, art therapists, social workers, psychologists, and other mental health providers

  • Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselors

  • Qualified Mental Health Professionals

  • Qualified Mental Health Associates

  • Long-term care and home and community based services staff

Instructors

Instructor Regina Koepp

Regina Koepp, PsyD, ABPP, is a Stanford trained, board-certified clinical and gero-psychologist and founder and CEO of the Center for Mental Health & Aging. A sought-after speaker and educator, she provides training and continuing education on mental health and aging. Dr. Koepp has held faculty and clinical leadership roles at the University of Vermont Medical Center, Emory University, and the Atlanta VA Health Care System, where she served on geriatric mental health advisory and ethics committees. She is a national media contributor, and she writes for Psychology Today and Psychotherapy Networker.

Instructor Eve Klein

Eve Klein, MD is Senior Medical Director for CODA and for substance use treatment programs in Oregon. She is board certified in neurology and addiction medicine, and she completed fellowships in pain medicine and addiction medicine at OHSU. Dr. Klein has worked at CODA since 2016, and she currently serves as Associate Medical Director for the Oregon Medical Board. She is also an assistant professor at OHSU, where she teaches medical students about pain, opioids, substance use disorders, and medical regulation.

Instructor Lydia Bartholow

Lydia Bartholow, DNP, PMHNP, CARN-AP is a psychiatric nurse practitioner specializing in addiction medicine and trauma-informed care. She serves as Medical Director of Addiction Services at a large behavioral health hospital and is faculty at UCSF and OHSU. Dr. Bartholow is a national speaker on co-occurring disorders, harm reduction, and substance use care system improvement. Her work is grounded in public health, harm reduction, and anti-oppression frameworks. She is based in Portland, Oregon.

Pricing

This course is free of charge, courtesy of Oregon Health Authority (OHA)

ACORN

is committed to excellence.

ACORN has been approved by the Mental Health & Addiction Certification Board of Oregon (MHACBO) to provide continuing education courses. Additionally, ACORN has been approved by the National Board for Certified Counselors (NBCC) as an Approved Continuing Education Provider, ACEP No. 7274. Programs that do not qualify for NBCC credit are clearly identified. ACORN is solely responsible for all aspects of the programs.
Oregon Health Authority (OHA) logo
Portland State University (PSU) Institute on Aging (IOA) logo
Mental Health & Addiction Certification Board of Oregon (MHACBO) logo
National Board for Certified Counselors (NBCC) logo