Substance Abuse (2-Hours)

Module 1: Introduction—What Counts as Substance Misuse?

Module 1: Why It’s Missed in Older Adults

Module 2: Aging Changes That Increase Risk

Module 2: Social & Emotional Drivers

Module 3: Screening—What Staff Should Watch For

Module 3A: Dementia vs Substance Effects—Why It Matters

How to Differentiate: Pattern & Time Course

How to Differentiate: Specific Clues Staff Can Observe

Staff Action: Dementia vs Substance—Decision Support

Module 3B: Co-Occurring Mental Health Conditions—What They Are

Common Co-Occurring Conditions in Older Adults (List)

What Staff Should Watch For (Co-Occurring Conditions)

Module 3C: Assessing Medication Interactions—What Staff Can Do

High-Risk Interaction Patterns (Easy-to-Remember)

What to Look For: Interaction Red Flags

Practical Staff Workflow for Suspected Interactions

Module 4: Prevention—Medication Safety Education

Module 4A: Teaching Coping Skills for Stress—What Skills?

Coping Skills (Continued): Practical Tools Staff Can Coach

Module 4B: Why Activities Help in Substance Use

How Staff Encourage Participation (Concrete Steps)

Module 4C: Reducing Stigma—What to Educate On

Stigma Reduction: What Staff Should Say/Do

Module 6A: Including Family/Caregivers Without Overstepping

Family Engagement: Staff Scripts (Respectful, Boundaried)

When Staff Feel Uncomfortable: A Safe Process

Module 5: Treatment—What ‘Good Referral’ Looks Like

Case Study 1: Mrs. L (Grief + Alcohol)

Case Study 1—Questions (Group Discussion)

Case Study 1—Suggested Answers

Case Study 2: Mr. J (Opioids + Polypharmacy)

Case Study 2—Questions (Group Discussion)

Case Study 2—Suggested Answers

Case Study 3: Ms. R (Benzo Use + Cognition + Consent)

Case Study 3—Questions (Group Discussion)

Case Study 3—Suggested Answers

Wrap-Up: Key Takeaways