Treating Alcohol Misuse in Older Adults

Course overview

Course Description: This course is based on material published by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration and is available as an open-access article. This Treatment Improvement Protocol (TIP) will benefit healthcare, behavioral health service, and social service providers working with older adults. It addresses alcohol use and misuse among older adults. National survey data show that alcohol use, binge drinking, and alcohol use disorder (AUD) are increasing in this population at a concerning rate. Addiction counselors and other healthcare providers should understand the unique needs of older adults when addressing alcohol-related issues. Although older adults generally have lower rates of alcohol misuse, including AUD, than younger adults, baby boomers (born between 1946 and 1964) are more likely to drink and have alcohol-related problems than earlier generations of older adults. Even low levels of drinking can lead to negative health effects in older adults because of age-related physical changes, negative interactions between alcohol and commonly used medications, and decreases in physical and cognitive functioning (thinking abilities). This course on addressing and treating alcohol misuse in older adults is designed for clinical social workers, psychologists, professional counselors, nurses, and substance abuse counselors who do clinical work. This course is appropriate for intermediate and advanced level practitioners who wish to develop their expertise with addressing and treating alcohol misuse in older adults. The course material includes a literature review of interventions and research. It may also be useful for licensed clinicians who require continuing clinical education courses for license renewal. The course is based on a journal article that includes research. It contains statistical analysis and data that some clinicians enjoy reading and others do not. A significant benefit of reading peer reviewed research-based articles for continuing education is that they provide practitioners with the latest findings in their field. Authors: SAMHSA Learning Objectives: This course will provide the practitioner with detailed information regarding addressing and treating alcohol misuse in older adults. Specifically, a professional will: Describe alcohol misuse among older adults. Identify specific treatment approaches for older adults with alcohol misuse. Recognize recovery management strategies for older adults with alcohol misuse. Citation: Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. Treating Alcohol Misuse in Older Adults. Center for Mental Health Services, Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. https://store.samhsa.gov.