Understanding Substance Use in Later Life

Salem for All Ages, in collaboration with Boston University's Center for Aging & Disability Education & Research (CADER), will host a free, interactive workshop to empower older adults to understand the complexities of substance use and its effects on their lives. The workshop, scheduled for Monday, November 18th from 3:00-4:15pm at the Mayor Jean A. Levesque Community Life Center at 401 Bridge Street, Salem, MA 01970, will also explore strategies to make informed choices and enhance well-being for themselves and their communities. The guest speaker will be Joe Pereira, MSW, LICSW, CAS, a licensed clinical social worker and addictions specialist. There will also be live Spanish translation.

This workshop is part of a behavioral health campaign for older adults that includes: printed and online media and resource materials on topics such as social isolation, depression, substance abuse, and suicide prevention; a free behavioral health training program for anyone who lives or works in Salem and interacts with older adults; and four live workshops at locations around Salem such as the Salem YMCA, Espacio, and an intergenerational workshop at Salem Academy Charter School. The November workshop is the last one of the series.

Salem for All Ages recognizes that behavioral health needs for older adults have increased dramatically since the pandemic, and that there is a lack of providers to meet the need. This campaign seeks to connect community members with available resources and provide basic guidance on a number of common behavioral health issues older adults may be facing.