This course examines the prevalence, risk factors, and public health implications of poly-prescription drug misuse (poly-PDM) across adult age cohorts in the United States. Using data from the National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH), the study reveals that misuse of multiple classes of prescription medications—such as opioids, stimulants, and tranquilizers—is not only common among adults engaging in PDM but also strongly associated with substance use disorders and other adverse outcomes. By analyzing demographic, behavioral, and mental health correlates, the course equips learners to identify high-risk populations and consider age-specific screening and intervention strategies that address the complex interplay of mental health and substance misuse.
This course is based on the reading-based online article, Poly-prescription Drug Misuse Across the Life Course created by Jason A. Ford et al in 2021.
Publication Date
Int J Drug Policy Feb 2021
Course Material Authors
Course Material Authors authored the material only, and were not involved in creating this CE course. They are identified here for your own evaluation of the relevancy of the material this course is based on.
Jason A. Ford
Dr. Jason A. Ford is a professor in the Department of Sociology at the University of Central Florida. His research focuses on substance use trends and social determinants of health.
Ty S. Schepis
Dr. Ty S. Schepis is a professor in the Department of Psychology at Texas State University. He is a nationally recognized expert in prescription drug misuse
L.A. Rankin is a social worker with experience in many different settings with a variety of clients. She has worked with dementia and Alzheimers patients, dual diagnosis MH/MR, in a battered women’s shelter, and a rape crisis center. She also has 11 years of experience as a child protective social worker, where she earned certificates in domestic abuse/family violence and substance abuse.
Recommended For
Counselors, marriage and family therapists, psychologists and social workers. This course is appropriate for all levels of knowledge.
Course Objectives:
After taking this course, you should be able to:
Analyze how poly-prescription drug misuse (poly-PDM) prevalence varies across adult age cohorts.
Identify demographic, behavioral, and mental health correlates associated with poly-PDM.
Evaluate the public health implications of poly-PDM and its relationship to substance use disorders (SUDs).
Availability
This course is available starting Apr 29th, 2025 and expires Apr 28th, 2035
Disclosure to Learners
Disclosure of Relevant Financial Relationships
CE Learning Systems adheres to the ACCME's Standards for Integrity and Independence in Accredited
Continuing Medical Education. Any individuals in a position to control the content of a CE activity –
including faculty, planners, reviewers, or others ― are required to disclose all relevant financial
relationships with ineligible entities (formerly known as commercial interests).
The following relevant financial relationships have been disclosed by this activity's planners, faculty, and
the reviewer:
Planners and Reviewers
The planners of this activity have reported that they have no relevant financial relationships.
Material Authors
Any relevant financial disclosures for course material authors can be found in the article.
Course Creator
L.A. Rankin – There are no relevant disclosures.
Commercial support
There is no commercial support for this distance-learning course.
Exam Questions
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