Analyzing Drugs of Abuse: Overview, Treatment, and Prevention

CE Course Description

Substance misuse is a major public health challenge. Millions of people in the United States are using illicit drugs, misusing prescription drugs, and participating in binge drinking or have other issues with alcohol misuse. Not only is the annual economic impact of substance misuse in the billions of dollars, drug overdoses, both fatal and nonfatal, continue to impact communities nationwide. Providing drug education and prevention resources and services designed to reach targeted populations and address particular problems and needs is critical. Behavioral health providers need to be able to differentiate between drug abuse, dependence, and addiction and understand the abuse potential of numerous substances. Providers need to have an understanding of the harms and consequences of drug use, a drug’s effects on the body and mind, overdose potential, origin, legal status, and other necessary facts on drugs of choice in their communities for them to be able to provide effective substance misuse treatment and prevention. 

Author: Kimberley Fortin, LCSW-R

CE Course Objectives

1. Differentiate between drug abuse, dependence, and addiction. 
2. Explore drug classifications, including their mechanism of action, physical and psychological effects, risks and side effects, and withdrawal process. 
3. Examine types and modalities of treatment for substance abuse. 
4. Identify risk and protective factors for drug abuse and how these impact prevention programs. 

CE Course Outline

Introduction (5 mins)

1. Overview of course objectives and key topics (2 mins)
2. Importance of understanding substance use disorders for healthcare and behavioral professionals (3 mins)

Section 1: Understanding Substance Use Disorders (10 mins)

1. Definition of substance use disorders and addiction (5 mins)
2. Key concepts: (5 mins)
   1. Tolerance, dependence, and withdrawal
   2. Differentiating misuse, abuse, and addiction

Section 2: Drug Classification Overview (50 mins)

1. Alcohol (10 mins)
   1. History of use (2 mins)
   2. Mechanism of action (3 mins)
   3. Physical and psychological effects (3 mins)
   4. Side effects, risks, addiction, and withdrawal (2 mins)
2. Stimulants (8 mins)
   1. History of use (2 mins)
   2. Mechanism of action (2 mins)
   3. Physical and psychological effects (2 mins)
   4. Side effects, risks, addiction, and withdrawal (2 mins)
3. Depressants (7 mins)
   1. History of use (2 mins)
   2. Mechanism of action (2 mins)
   3. Physical and psychological effects (2 mins)
   4. Side effects, risks, and withdrawal (1 min)
4. Opioids (7 mins)
   1. History of use (2 mins)
   2. Mechanism of action (2 mins)
   3. Effects, side effects, and risks (2 mins)
   4. Addiction and withdrawal (1 min)
5. Hallucinogens (8 mins)
   1. History of use (2 mins)
   2. Mechanism of action (2 mins)
   3. Effects and side effects (2 mins)
   4. Addiction and withdrawal (2 mins)
6. Cannabis (10 mins)
   1. History of use (3 mins)
   2. Mechanism of action (3 mins)
   3. Physical and psychological effects, risks, and withdrawal (4 mins)

Section 3: Emerging Trends – Designer Drugs/New Psychoactive Substances (25 mins)

1. Synthetic cannabinoids and synthetic cathinones ('Bath Salts') (5 mins)
2. Phenethylamines and novel dissociatives (5 mins)
3. Novel benzodiazepines and other substances (5 mins)
4. Risks, addiction potential, and challenges in treatment (10 mins)

Section 4: Treatment for Substance Use Disorders (25 mins)

1. Types of Treatment Settings (5 mins)
   1. Detoxification treatment (3 mins)
   2. Inpatient and outpatient treatment (2 mins)
2. Behavioral Therapies (10 mins)
   1. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) (2 mins)
   2. Motivational Interviewing (MI) (2 mins)
   3. Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) (2 mins)
   4. Seeking Safety and the Matrix Model (2 mins)
   5. 12-Step Facilitation (2 mins)
3. Medication-Assisted Therapy (MAT) (5 mins)
   1. Alcohol and medication-based treatment (2 mins)
   2. Opioid treatment options (3 mins)
4. Prevention Strategies (5 mins)

Conclusion (5 mins)

1. Recap of substance use disorders, treatment, and prevention (5 mins)