Special Populations 4 CEUs Approved by GACA #25-900-20

Earn 4 CEUs learning how to work with women, children, families, LGBTQ, veterans, and older adults.

Special Populations 4 CEUs Approved... Special Populations 4 CEUs... Special Populations 4... Georgia Reentry Center
$ 45 . 00 Pay using Stripe

What you will learn?

Working with Women
Working with Women
lock
Video
Classroom content
Video
Working with Families
Working with Families
lock
Video
Classroom content
Video
Addiction and the Family System
lock
Video
Classroom content
Video
Dysfunctional Family Roles
lock
Video
Classroom content
Video
Working with Youth
Working with Youth
lock
Video
Classroom content
Video
The Trugh Behind Adolescent Addiction Recovery
lock
Video
Classroom content
Video
Working with other Populations
Working with Other Populations
lock
Video
Classroom content
Video
Addiction and Recovery for Older Adults
lock
Video
Classroom content
Video
LGBTQ+ and Addiction
lock
Video
Classroom content
Video
Conclusion
Special Populations Quiz
lock

Special Populations – Summary
Women experience substance use and treatment differently than men due to a variety of biological, psychological, and social factors. Biologically, women face unique health risks such as gynecological and obstetric complications, and they tend to develop more severe alcohol-related brain and liver damage at lower levels of use compared to men. One of the most significant barriers to treatment for women is the fear of losing custody of their children, which often keeps them from seeking help. Effective drug treatment for women must be comprehensive, integrated, and culturally competent, with qualified staff and strategies that specifically address trauma and retention in care.

Adolescence is a time of rapid brain development and restructuring, with the prefrontal cortex—the area responsible for judgment and decision-making—being the last to fully mature. This developmental stage includes important tasks such as adjusting to physical changes, taking responsibility for sexuality, moving toward independence from parents, developing a personal identity, building social and work relationships, and planning for a career. Adolescents respond best to experiential learning, clear boundaries, and respect for their autonomy; scare tactics are ineffective. While confidentiality is essential, it is not absolute—safety concerns may require exceptions.

Family involvement in treatment can occur at multiple levels, from minimal contact to full family therapy. At Level 3, counselors provide psychosocial support to the family, help them cope, and tailor education to their specific needs. Goals for family meetings include rebuilding trust, enhancing communication, educating about addiction and relapse, and setting clear boundaries. The first meeting should be future-focused, respectful, and allow all voices to be heard without blame. One common barrier to progress is the “Cycle of Blame,” where repeated distrust and criticism lead to conflict and can increase the likelihood of relapse. Breaking this cycle requires empathy, constructive feedback, and a shared commitment to moving forward.

Effective addiction counseling for special populations requires tailored, culturally competent approaches. When working with LGBTQ+ clients, counselors should use inclusive language and respectfully ask for preferred pronouns to foster trust and safety. Older adults face unique risks due to age-related changes that slow metabolism, increasing the effects and potential harm from substances. Veterans may encounter barriers such as distrust of civilian healthcare systems and fear of stigma, which can prevent them from seeking help. In Georgia, Lost-N-Found Youth offers critical support for homeless and at-risk LGBTQ+ youth, connecting them with shelter, resources, and care.

Generic
Exam
Certificate

About the course

This course is approved by GACA for 4 CEUs. In this course you will learn how to work in the substance abuse field with special populations including:

* Women

* Youth

* Families

* LGBTQ+

* Older Adults

* Veterans

This course is only four hours, so it is an overview of working with these populations.

More info

About the teacher

Desiree Cochran-Norfolk

Assessor/Counselor

Desiree Cochran is a Certified Addiction Counselor II, Certified Clinical Supervisor, and Certified Master Addiction Counselor through the Georgia Addiction Counselor's Association and is a certified anger management facilitator through the Department of Community Supervision. She is also certified as a MCAP through the Florida Certification Board. She completed her Masters in Addiction Counseling at Liberty University. She is certified to teach DUI school, parenting, ASAM treatment for all levels, and all Prime Solutions Classes including the marijuana course. Desiree is also training to become a certified facilitator for the Georgia Commission on Family Violence to facilitate Domestic Violence Intervention Programs.

Georgia Reentry Center

Learn online with Georgia Reentry Center
Technology
Tec coursify