Substance Use in Older Adults: Alcohol-Related Care Concerns
Learn the CNA's role with alcohol use disorder in older adults — understanding it as a treatable medical condition (not a moral failing), recognizing the hidden signs in elders, understanding why aging bodies are more vulnerable to alcohol, the danger of alcohol-medication interactions, recognizing alcohol withdrawal as a potential medical emergency, supporting recovery without judgment, and reporting faithfully. CNAs do not diagnose, counsel, manage withdrawal, give or adjust medications, or police a resident's drinking.
Overview
Learn the CNA's role with alcohol use disorder in older adults — understanding it as a treatable medical condition (not a moral failing), recognizing the hidden signs in elders, understanding why aging bodies are more vulnerable to alcohol, the danger of alcohol-medication interactions, recognizing alcohol withdrawal as a potential medical emergency, supporting recovery without judgment, and reporting faithfully. CNAs do not diagnose, counsel, manage withdrawal, give or adjust medications, or police a resident's drinking.
Course curriculum
What you'll learn
A structured path from your first lesson through certificate-ready completion — designed for busy California CNAs.
Skills & knowledge gained
- Understand alcohol use disorder as a treatable illness, not a moral failing.
- Recognize its hidden signs in elders.
- Understand alcohol's special dangers and interactions.
- Recognize alcohol withdrawal as an emergency.
- Support recovery without judgment — and know your scope.
Your learning path
Understanding Alcohol Use Disorder in Older Adults
4 lessons · ~20 min
Recognition, Prevention, and CNA Role
4 lessons · ~20 min
Action, Judgment, and Application
4 lessons · ~20 min
Certificate of completion
Pass the final exam and active participation requirements to earn your CE certificate.
Module breakdown
Module 1
Understanding Alcohol Use Disorder in Older Adults
- Introduction
- Terms & Definitions
- Statistics
- Fundamentals
Module 2
Recognition, Prevention, and CNA Role
- Signs & Symptoms
- Causes
- CNA Role & Best Practices
- Prevention & Risk Reduction
Module 3
Action, Judgment, and Application
- Scenario & Reporting
- CNA's Role in Care
- Case Study
- Conclusion
Course outline
Module 1: Understanding Alcohol Use Disorder in Older Adults
- 1. Introduction5 min
- 2. Terms & Definitions5 min
- 3. Statistics5 min
- 4. Fundamentals5 min
Module 2: Recognition, Prevention, and CNA Role
- 1. Signs & Symptoms5 min
- 2. Causes5 min
- 3. CNA Role & Best Practices5 min
- 4. Prevention & Risk Reduction5 min
Module 3: Action, Judgment, and Application
- 1. Scenario & Reporting5 min
- 2. CNA's Role in Care5 min
- 3. Case Study5 min
- 4. Conclusion5 min
Provider & completion requirements
Provider: CAL ACE Nursing Academy
CAL ACE Nursing Academy · support@cna.school · (408) 256-0763
To earn your certificate
- Sign in with your learner account
- Complete interactive lesson content (50 minutes active participation for 1 Online CE hour)
- Pass the final course exam
- Submit the learner attestation before your certificate is issued
Support: support@cna.school
$3.75
Eligible for 1-year or 2-year unlimited plans
