Addressing SUD and Mental Health in Older Adults – Evidence-Based Interventions

Location: Flores 6-7 Session Description: This workshop will delve into the intersection of Substance Use Disorders (SUD) and mental health challenges within the older adult population. This advanced session is tailored for clinicians seeking to deepen their understanding and enhance their therapeutic strategies when working with this demographic. As the older adult population grows, so does the complexity of their mental health needs. This workshop will tackle top concerns such as the increased risk of medication misuse, the underdiagnosis of SUD, and the unique presentation of mental health symptoms in older adults. We will discuss the challenges of comorbidity, ageism in treatment settings, and the importance of recognizing late-onset SUD.
Participants will be introduced to several evidence-based interventions that have shown promise in this field. These include Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) adapted for older adults, Motivational Interviewing (MI) techniques for engaging this population, and the use of Integrated Treatment approaches that address both SUD and co-occurring mental health conditions. We will also review the efficacy of group therapy tailored to older adults, the benefits of peer support models, and the role of family therapy in treating SUD and mental health concurrently. This workshop is an essential opportunity for clinicians to refine their skills and apply evidence-based practices specifically designed for older adults. Join us to ensure your practice is equipped to meet the nuanced needs of this growing and often underserved population.