Treating Opioid Use Disorder

CE Course Description

Opioid Use Disorder is an urgent health crisis with far-reaching individual, societal, and economic implications. The opioid epidemic, which is characterized by the widespread misuse of prescription opioids and the increase in the use of illicit opioid substances, has touched all facets of society. The misuse of opioids has shattered countless lives, devastated communities, and strained and overburdened healthcare systems. In order to respond to the crisis, health professionals, government entities, and community stakeholders must come together, establish a clear understanding of opioid use disorder, and develop practical strategies that will help alleviate the suffering wrought by opioid addiction. This course will help behavioral health providers understand the complexities of the opioid crisis and the devastating impact of opioid misuse. With a clear understanding, providers will then be able to develop and implement successful prevention, treatment, and recovery approaches.

Author: Kimberley Fortin, LCSW-R

CE Course Objectives

1. Identify the prevalence, impact, and misconceptions of opioid use disorder.
2. Explain prevention, treatment, and recovery approaches to opioid use disorder.
3. Examine current legal and ethical dilemmas surrounding opioid use disorder and its treatment.

Section 1: Introduction and Overview (10 minutes)

1. Introduction (5 minutes)

2. Definition, Prevalence, and Impact of Opioid Use Disorder (5 minutes)

Section 2: Stigma and Misconceptions (8 minutes)

1. Stigma and Misconceptions Surrounding Opioid Use Disorder (8 minutes)

Section 3: Understanding Opioids and Their Effects (24 minutes)

1. Types of Opioids (6 minutes)

2. Mechanism of Action of Opioids on the Brain and Body(3 minutes)

3. Short-term and Long-term Effects (4 minutes)

4. Physical and Psychological Effects (6 minutes)

5. Side Effects and Risks (5 minutes)

Section 4: Risk Factors and Prognosis (21 minutes)

1. Addiction and Withdrawal (3 minutes)

2. Risk Factors (7 minutes)

3. Prognosis for Those with Opioid Use Disorder (3 minutes)

4. Screening and Assessment (8 minutes)

Section 5: Treatment Approaches (49 minutes)

1. Co-occurring Mental Health Disorders (4 minutes)

2. Medication-Assisted Treatment for Opioid Disorders (17 minutes)

3. Behavioral Interventions and Counseling (19 minutes)

4. The Role of Counseling in Recovery (9 minutes)

Section 6: Harm Reduction and Relapse Prevention (39 minutes)

1. Harm Reduction Strategies (20 minutes)

2. Emergency Response to Overdose (14 minutes)

Section 7: Cultural Competence and Stigma Reduction (14 minutes)

1. Cultural Considerations in Opioid Use Disorder (5 minutes)

2. Reducing Stigma and Discrimination (9 minutes)

Section 8: Legal and Ethical Considerations (10 minutes)

1. Regulations Governing Opioid Use Disorder Treatment (4 minutes)

2. Ethical Dilemmas in Treatment, Confidentiality, and Privacy (6 minutes)

Section 9: Conclusion (5 minutes)

1. Conclusion (5 minutes)

Additional Resources

1. References (not timed)

2. Appendices (not timed)

Total Time: 180 minutes (3 hours)

Course Level: Intermediate