Addiction Across the Life Span

Presented By: Veronica E. Cruz, LCSW-C

According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), in 2016 there were 139.7 million alcohol users; including 60.9 million who are binge drinkers and 16.3 million who are heavy drinkers. In addition, the abuse of tobacco, alcohol, and illicit drugs is costly to the nation with an annual cost of $484 billion related to crime, lost work, production, and healthcare related expenses. Addiction is no longer limited to a certain age group, race, or gender; it can affect the entire life span.

"Addiction Across the Lifespan" is an interactive workshop which will explore addiction trends across the life span: prenatal, early childhood/school age, adolescent, young adult, adult, and elderly. Issues to be discussed include: genetic predispositions, gender differences, cycle of addiction, stages of development, user typologies, social media, and treatment modalities. Current trends will be discussed and participants will be able to articulate the importance of exploring various prevention and intervention techniques. Case vignettes will be presented and participants will work in a group setting in further gain mastery and hands on experience with the course content. 

Cost: $75.00

Participants will earn 6 Category I CEU's. The training day will include short breaks as well as a lunch break. Lunch will not be included but light snacks and drinks will be availalble. 

About the Presenter

Veronica E. Cruz, LCSW-C has been in the social work profession for over seventeen years. Ms. Cruz was employed for ten years, at the Office of the Public Defender in Rockville as a forensic social worker. In 2015 she became the owner and CEO of Cruz and Associates a consulting firm specialized in forensic social work in particular criminal defense, professional continuing education and psychotherapy. She is an Adjunct Professor at Catholic University of America Schools of Social Work and The University of Maryland, Shady Grove Campus.