Drug and Alcohol Problems in the Aging Population

Macomb County
GSWSM

Drug and Alcohol Problems in the Aging Population

Presented by: Marcia Relyea, MIS, CADC-M, LBSW Gerontologist

After attending this complimentary education session you will be able to:

With so much attention to the opioid epidemic on youth and families, little attention is given to the older adults. This Program will explore issues unique to the aging population, such as:

• How alcohol, medications, other drugs can impact an older person physically, emotionally, psychologically, and socially 
  
• The continuum from “no problems, to use that could cause risks, to hazardous use, to addiction. 
• The negative impact of stigma, stereotyping, and shame 
  
• The positive impact of support, education, treatment, and recovery. Learning Objectives: 1.
  

Participants will increase their knowledge of unique issues that arise when blending aging, alcohol use, medications, and other drugs. 2. Participants will be able to identify personal and societal biases toward individuals who are aging and might have a major problem (often hidden) with alcohol and/or drugs. 3. Participants will learn that the aged can, and do, recover from alcohol and drug abuse/addiction; and thus, enjoy an improved quality of life.

Oakmont Senior Communities Parkway 36725 Utica Road 
Clinton Township, MI 48035

The Geriatric Social Workers of Southeast Michigan is an approved provider with the Michigan Social Work Continuing Education Collaborative.