Learning module

Substance Abuse: Realities and Hope

1 contact hour 5 learning objectives
Chemical dependency affects all segments of our population, with devastating effects on families, personal health, financial stability, and community crime and violence. For many older adults, chemical dependency could mean a 10 to 15 years decrease in life span and significantly lowered quality of life during their later years. Participants in this module will be given an overview of how substance abuse impacts people of all ages and socioeconomic backgrounds, with the main focus on the impact of chemical dependency on older adults. Participants will also gain insight into the impact of the disease on the person's ability to successfully carry out activities of daily living; engage in satisfying interpersonal relationships; health and sense of well-being; and the reluctance to seek and/or accept treatment. We also note that some older people are using street drugs and some have recognized the financial value of their prescription drugs and have begun to sell them. We will examine the changing face of substance abuse among older people with an expanded focus on drug use, abuse and sale. We will look at traditional models of intervention and treatment, as well as have an opportunity to learn about "evidence-based" models of intervention and treatment that have proven successful.
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What You'll Learn

Module objectives

  • Understand the impact of chemical dependencies on the life of a person at any age.
  • Understand how chemical dependency is different for older adults.
  • Understand the unique treatment needs for older adults.
  • Understand the economics of prescription drug abuse.
  • Identify street drugs used by older adults.

Table of Contents

Module sequence

  1. Module Home

    This section introduces the Substance Abuse: Realities and Hope module. Learners will encounter the module's opening content and navigation context.

  2. Objectives

    Review the learning objectives for this module. Use them to focus on the knowledge and skills covered in the sections that follow.

  3. Background

    This lesson introduces alcohol and drug addiction among older adults and discusses aging-population context. It describes substance use, dependency, and factors associated with later-life addiction.

  4. The Complexity of Substance Abuse

    This section explores the complexity of substance abuse. Learners will encounter related concepts, examples, and a section review.

  5. Substance Abuse and Older Adults

    This section addresses substance abuse among older adults and factors that can make it difficult to recognize. It discusses effects, warning signs, screening, intervention, and a section review question.

  6. Assessing the Problem

    This lesson introduces CAGE and HEAT screening questions for discussing substance use with older adults. It includes a section-review question and describes how the tools may be used in assessment.

  7. Challenges for Family, Friends, and Professional Caregivers

    This section discusses challenges experienced by family, friends, and professional caregivers. Learners will encounter related information and a section review.

  8. Specialized Substance Abuse Treatment for Older Adults

    This section discusses treatment considerations for older adults with substance abuse problems. It covers barriers to treatment, supportive approaches, counseling, and relapse-related issues.

  9. How Do Older Adults Become Drug Sellers?

    This lesson explores poverty and economic pressures in relation to older adults selling drugs. It includes demographic information, news examples, and reflection questions.

  10. References

    This section provides references for the Substance Abuse: Realities and Hope module. Learners will find the sources cited in the module.

  11. Post Test

    Complete the module post-test to check your understanding of the material. Use the results to identify topics you may want to review.

  12. Evaluation

    Share feedback about the module and your learning experience. Complete this evaluation as you finish the module.

  13. Certificate

    Access your certificate after completing the required module activities. Use this section to view or download documentation of completion.