Opioid Use in Older Adults: Clinical Considerations for Psychologists

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Target Audience: Psychologists

Instructional Level: Intermediate

CE Course Description

Older adults represent one of the fastest-growing populations affected by opioid-related concerns, yet they are frequently overlooked in discussions surrounding opioid misuse, opioid use disorder (OUD), and pain management. Age-related physiological changes, polypharmacy, chronic pain conditions, cognitive decline, and co-occurring medical and psychiatric disorders create a unique clinical landscape that requires specialized knowledge and skills. Psychologists working in outpatient mental health settings, integrated primary care clinics, hospitals, rehabilitation programs, long-term care facilities, and geriatric specialty practices are increasingly likely to encounter older adults prescribed opioids or experiencing opioid-related complications. This continuing education course provides psychologists with a comprehensive, evidence-based understanding of opioid use among older adults. Participants will examine epidemiological trends, risk factors, and age-specific vulnerabilities associated with opioid use and misuse. The course reviews best practices in screening, assessment, and differential diagnosis while highlighting the importance of evaluating cognitive functioning, functional status, psychiatric comorbidity, chronic pain, and overdose risk. Emphasis is placed on evidence-based psychological interventions, interdisciplinary collaboration, and practical strategies to support treatment adherence and promote quality of life. Ethical and professional responsibilities are integrated throughout the course in accordance with the APA Ethical Principles of Psychologists and Code of Conduct and current standards of competent practice. Particular attention is given to informed consent, decision-making capacity, documentation practices, cultural responsiveness, and the psychologist's role within multidisciplinary healthcare teams. Through case examples and practical applications, participants will develop clinically relevant skills that support safe, effective, and compassionate care for older adults affected by opioid-related concerns. The course emphasizes practical application, clinical judgment, and the integration of current evidence into everyday psychological practice.

Courseware Supervisor: Ryan C. Warner, Ph.D., CRC

Author: Jay Trambadia, Psy.D.

CE Course Objectives

1. Describe current epidemiological trends and risk factors associated with opioid use, misuse, and opioid use disorder among older adults.
2. Identify age-related physiological, cognitive, psychosocial, and medical factors that increase vulnerability to opioid-related complications.
3. Explain the impact of polypharmacy, chronic health conditions, and age-related changes in pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics on opioid safety.
4. Conduct comprehensive assessments of older adults that incorporate screening for opioid misuse, chronic pain, psychiatric comorbidity, cognitive functioning, functional status, and overdose risk.
5. Differentiate between normal aging processes, medication-related cognitive effects, neurocognitive disorders, and opioid-related clinical presentations.
6. Apply evidence-based psychological interventions and behavioral pain management strategies appropriate for older adults with opioid-related concerns.
7. Apply APA ethical principles related to informed consent, capacity assessment, documentation, confidentiality, and professional competence when working with older adults.
8. Demonstrate culturally responsive and age-sensitive approaches to care that address diversity, health disparities, and barriers to treatment among older adult populations.
9. Integrate assessment findings, ethical considerations, and interdisciplinary recommendations into comprehensive clinical decision-making.

Course Date: 2026-09-14

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