Fall 2026 University Scholar Series: Substance Use Among Older Adults: Recent Trends and Research

Hosted by the Office of the Provost in partnership with the SJSU King Library, this series provides a unique opportunity to showcase the important research and scholarly activities of SJSU faculty members. This semester's series will be completely in person.

The current generation of older adults (65 years and older) are more likely to use alcohol and other substances as compared to prior generations of older adults. Additionally, older adults are often underdiagnosed and undertreated for substance use disorders. This talk will explore recent trends in substance use and substance use disorders among older adults, with a focus on factors that are unique to this population and may contribute to increasing rates of use among this group. Recent research on cannabis and opioid use will be highlighted.

Dr. Woodhead is professor in the Department of Psychology at SJSU. She is a licensed psychologist and holds a Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology from West Virginia University. Prior to starting at SJSU in 2012, Dr. Woodhead completed clinical and research postdoctoral training at Rush University Medical Center in Chicago and at the VA Palo Alto Health Care System. Dr. Woodhead's research is on mental health and aging with a specific focus on substance use among older adults.