In Person
Cycles of Change: Addiction Treatment Across the Lifespan

Substance Use and Abuse in Older Adults

Information

Date & Time

Location

Learning Objectives

Participants will be able to:

  • Explain the context, prevalence, and projections of substance use among older adults.

  • Identify two substance use screening tools that are used with older adults.

  • Identify and describe three substance use treatments that are used with older adults.

Educational Goal

The educational goal of this workshop is to provide awareness of present-day counselors to the needs of older adults around substance use issues.

Description

This workshop will explore the psychosocial differences and the consequences of substance use and abuse for clients over the age of 50. This workshop will further explore the medical and pharmaceutical considerations for older adults. This information will be presented in a way that is practical and applicable to the everyday counselor.

Target Audience

  • Counselor
  • Marriage & Family Therapist
  • Psychologist
  • Social Worker
  • Substance Use Disorder Professionals

Presenters

Edward Harper, LCSW, LAADAC II

Edward Harper has been in the field of counseling and community services since 1975 and licensed in the state of Tennessee since 1988. He became a certified addiction counselor in 1990. Edward received his BA from Mars Hill College in North Carolina in 1976. And his MSW from the University of Tennessee in Knoxville in 1986. He found his passion for working with older adults when he started working with senior services in 1990. In 2000, Edward developed a national and international program for adult caregivers. He currently works with Blount Memorial Hospital providing senior services and connecting caregivers to appropriate services. Edward has been in this role for twenty-four years. Prior to that, Edward worked with their psychiatric program providing family therapy and counseling services for both psychiatric and substance abuse clients. Additionally, Edward plays in the Pistol Creek Catch of the Day Band as a singer and guitarist.