Preventing Opioid Misuse and Treating Opioid Use Disorders in Older Adults

Course overview

Course Description: This course on preventing opioid misuse and treating opioid use disorders in older adults provides a comprehensive overview of the unique risks, risk factors, prevention strategies, and evidence-based treatment approaches relevant to adults aged 65 and older. Grounded in SAMHSA's 2024 publication, the course addresses physiological changes that increase older adults' vulnerability to opioid misuse and opioid use disorder (OUD), the role of co-occurring physical and mental health conditions, and the social and environmental barriers that complicate access to care. It also highlights current prevalence data, approved medications for opioid use disorder (MOUD), and exemplary prevention and treatment programs designed specifically for this population. This course on preventing opioid misuse and treating opioid use disorders in older adults is designed for social workers, professional counselors, psychologists, nurses, and substance abuse counselors, who do clinical work. This course is appropriate for intermediate and advanced level practitioners who wish to develop or increase their knowledge of opioid misuse and opioid use disorder in older adults. It may also be useful for licensed clinicians who require clinical continuing education courses for license renewal. Authors: SAMHSA Learning Objectives: This course will provide a professional with detailed information about opioid misuse and opioid use disorders in older adults. Specifically, the practitioner will: 1. Identify at least three physiological, social, and environmental risk factors that increase older adults' susceptibility to opioid misuse and OUD. 2. Describe the key prevention strategies and evidence-based treatment approaches, including FDA-approved MOUD, used to address opioid misuse and OUD in older adults. 3. Apply person-centered, age-appropriate considerations when assessing and planning care for older adults with or at risk for opioid misuse and OUD. Citation: Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. (2024). Preventing opioid misuse and treating opioid use disorders in older adults. Publication No. PEP24-02-010. Center for Substance Abuse Treatment, Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration.