Resurgence of Cocaine Use in Employed Adults: The Role of Office-Based Psychotherapists in Early Intervention and Treatment
Cocaine use in the U.S. is rising again, accompanied by a troubling increase in overdose deaths due to fentanyl-laced cocaine. Fentanyl, a synthetic opioid 50 times more potent than heroin, significantly heightens the risks associated with cocaine use. Recent surveys show a resurgence in cocaine use, particularly among employed men aged 25 to 45. Mental health clinicians in office-based practice are often the first point of contact for functional adults grappling with cocaine and other substance use issues. As such, it is crucial for therapists—regardless of their specialty or professional background—to be equipped with the knowledge and skills to identify, assess, and treat substance use disorders, and/or to refer patients for specialized care when necessary. Early intervention by clinicians can greatly improve treatment outcomes, mitigating both personal and professional consequences of untreated substance use. In the case of cocaine, timely action can also prevent fentanyl-related overdose deaths. This webinar is designed to enhance participants’ understanding of the distinct features of cocaine and opioids, as well as the clinical considerations that set them apart from other psychoactive substances. It will introduce a set of therapeutic interventions for assessing, motivating, and treating clients with substance use problems in an office-based psychotherapy setting. The approach described is rooted in a client-centered, individualized framework that supports both harm reduction and abstinence goals to optimize treatment engagement, retention, and clinical outcomes. The role of medication-assisted treatment will also be discussed.
Learning Objectives
As a result of attending this presentation, participants will be able to:
- Summarize the epidemiology, pharmacology, and consequences of cocaine and opioid use.
- Explain the unique pharmacology of cocaine and other stimulant drugs.
- Summarize the components of an individualized client-centered approach that supports abstinence and harm reduction goals.
Instructor Bio
Arnold M. Washton, Ph.D., is a psychologist, book author, and founder of The Washton Group, a private practice specializing on the treatment of substance use disorders in executives, professionals, adolescents, and young adults. He has served as Clinical Professor of Psychiatry at NYU School of Medicine, director of several nationally recognized addiction treatment programs, principal investigator of research grants from the National Institute on Drug Abuse, and consultant to professional sports teams, government agencies, media organizations, and major corporations. He has also served as substance abuse advisor to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, special committees of The U.S. Senate and House of Representatives, and the American Psychological Association. Dr. Washton has authored over 100 journal articles and nine books including "Treating Alcohol and Drug Problems in Psychotherapy Practice: Doing What Works" (2nd Edition, 2023).
Dr. Washton has no conflicts of interest for this program.
Contact Us
For questions, please contact: ce@gsapp.rutgers.edu
Continuing Education Information
Rutgers Graduate School of Applied and Professional Psychology (GSAPP) is recognized by the New York State Education Department's State Board for Psychology as an approved provider of continuing education for licensed psychologists #PSY-0123.
LMFT/MFT and LPC/LAC Licensed in New Jersey: Programs approved by the American Psychological Association are acceptable sources of continuing education credits. Please see https://www.njconsumeraffairs.gov/regulations/Chapter-34-Subchapters-10-31-Professional-Counselors.pdf, Section: 13:34-15.4 APPROVAL OF COURSES OR PROGRAMS on page 27. For all other professional licenses and certifications, please reference your issuing state board regulations regarding reciprocity of continuing education credits.
Rutgers Graduate School of Applied & Professional Psychology is approved by the American Psychological Association to sponsor continuing education for psychologists. Rutgers Graduate School of Applied & Professional Psychology maintains responsibility for this program and its content.