This two-hour training equips behavioral health professionals, addiction counselors, social workers, and allied practitioners with the skills needed to distinguish between residual impairment from chronic substance use and signs of active use that may indicate immediate risk or danger. Co-facilitated by experienced clinicians, the session explores how long-term substance use can affect cognition, mood, and functioning—often mimicking acute intoxication—and how to differentiate these lingering effects from behaviors that require urgent intervention.

Through real-world case examples, participants will learn how to make clinically sound observations, document both subjective reports and objective findings, and remain firmly within professional scope of practice. Emphasis is placed on accurate assessment, ethical decision-making, risk identification, clear and defensible documentation, and collaborative care strategies