(WEBINAR) Prescription Drug Abuse: Focusing on Opioids in Older Adults February 24, 2026

*Participants MUST register using their DBHIDS Learning Hub username/email

*Participants MUST register themselves for training sessions. Employers should NOT register staff for any training

 

Session Date: February 24, 2026

Registration Deadline: February 20, 2026

Registration Status: Open

Instructor: Lauren Krebs

If you have questions about registration, please Click Here

For special accommodations, please Click Here

 

(WEBINAR) Prescription Drug Abuse: Focusing on Opioids in Older Adults

 

Price: 
At no cost

This training runs from 9:30 AM - 11:30 AM

CE Type: IACET           # of CE's: 0.2 IACET CE's

About This Course

Opiate addiction has risen sharply among older Americans, particularly those who become addicted to prescription opioid drugs such as OxyContin and Vicodin. While drug-related deaths have increased across all age groups, the greatest rise has been seen in adults aged 55 to 64. Transitional life events, such as divorce, empty-nesting, and the loss of a parent, can trigger opioid misuse, and it is vital for family members to recognize behavior changes that may signal addiction. For many older adults, the stress of these transitions, combined with chronic pain, can lead them to self-medicate with opioids like OxyContin, Percocet, or Vicodin, often without consideration of the potential for addiction. Healthcare professionals frequently overlook the risk of addiction in older patients, even though opioids are commonly prescribed for pain management.

In this training, participants will learn about the generational aspects and co-morbidities of the Baby Boomer generation, including how addiction treatment for older adults with chronic pain can provide more effective solutions. The training will focus on the importance of a thorough assessment, engagement in the recovery process, and ongoing personal growth. Attendees will gain insights into evidence-based treatment approaches and learn to apply practical tools that can support older adults in safely managing chronic pain and recovering from addiction. This session will also highlight the most current statistics and provide strategies for older adults to engage in holistic addiction recovery, enabling them to reclaim hope and wellness.

Learning Objectives: 

1. Define the deterministic viewpoint of behavior and describe how it relates to addiction in older adults.
2. Explain addiction as a disease and identify common root causes among older adults.
3. Describe the effects of trauma on older adults and its influence on emotional well-being.
4. Explain the psychology of basic needs and brain reward systems.
5. Interpret current statistics and analyze cultural factors influencing addiction.
6. Evaluate recovery interventions for holistic healing in older adult populations, including individuals living with paralysis.
7. Analyze the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and social isolation on prescription drug abuse.
8. Discuss the correlation between social isolation and increased drug abuse.

Intended Audience: 

All D&A Staff

Instructional Level: 

Introductory

Completion Requirements: 

Participants must attend the entire session, participate in all activities, and submit an evaluation within the 7 days of training to receive credits and a certificate. All CEU certificates and certificates of attendance will be received through the DBHIDS Learning Hub. Once you have completed your evaluation you will have access to your CEU or Certificate of Attendance through your DBHIDS Learning Hub Account.

Credit Statements:

BHTEN is accredited by the International Association for Continuing Education and Training (IACET) and is authorized to issue the IACET CEU. 
As an IACET Accredited Provider, BHTEN offers CEUs for its programs that qualify under the ANSI/IACET Standard.  BHTEN is authorized by IACET to offer CEUs for this program.
(0.2 CEU = 2.0 Training Hours)

*Participants MUST register using their DBHIDS Learning Hub username/email

*Participants MUST register themselves for training sessions. Employers should NOT register for any training