Module Archives

Understanding Substance Use Disorders

Presenter(s): Brian Fuehrlein, MD, PhD

Module 1 provides a basic introduction of the concepts of the disease of addiction and the role of the reward system. Using neuroscience concepts as a foundation, clinical manifestations of the disease of addiction are then discussed in the form of case-based presentations. Read more

Alcohol and Drug Use Disorders

Presenter(s): Brian Fuehrlein, MD, PhD

Module 2 outlines the basic concepts of alcohol and drug use disorders. Standard drink sizes, screening for alcohol use disorders and an introduction to alcohol withdrawal management are discussed. A basic overview of the major drug use disorders are then discussed in a clinically-relevant manner. Read more

The Opioid Epidemic

Presenter(s): Brian Fuehrlein, MD, PhD

Module 3 provides an overview of the history of opioid use with an overview of contributing factors to the current epidemic. Using clinical cases, opioid use disorder is then discussed in detail. Finally, there is a discussion of harm reduction approaches and treatment options. Read more

Medication and Behavioral Treatment of Substance Use Disorders

Presenter(s): Brian Fuehrlein, MD, PhD

Module 4 introduces evidence-based clinical practices of pharmacotherapy and behavioral treatments for substance use disorders. Off label medications and psychosocial support programs are also discussed. Read more

1: Basics of Chronic Pain and Chronic Pain Evaluation

Presenter(s): Daniel P. Alford, MD, MPH, Seddon Savage, MD, Roger Chou, MD, Kevin A. Sevarino, MD, PhD, Melissa Weimer, DO, MCR, FASAM

This module reviews introductory information regarding chronic pain and chronic pain evaluation, including how to identify pain mechanisms, perform a pain assessment, and examine the impact of psychosocial factors and mental health on the pain experience. Read more

2: Basic Tenets of Pain Treatment

Presenter(s): Michael Saenger, MD, Seddon Savage, MD, R. Corey Waller, MD, MS, Roger Chou, MD, Kevin A. Sevarino, MD, PhD, Melissa Weimer, DO, MCR, FASAM

The learner is presented with foundational information on pain treatment. The module reviews material on the sociopsychobiological model of pain and how that impacts treatment approaches, the evidence for pharmacological and non pharmacological therapies for pain, and the recommended strategies for managing common pain conditions. Read more

3: Opioid Therapy For Pain: An Evidence Review

Presenter(s): Roger Chou, MD

Participants who engage in this activity are presented with evidence on the use of therapy for chronic pain. Additionally, participants learn to assess risks and benefits of long-term opioid therapy for chronic pain and to describe the factors associated with prescription opioid overdose and misuse. Read more

4: Opioid Pharmacology and Dosing Management

Presenter(s): Daniel P. Alford, MD, MPH, Lynn Webster, MD, Melissa Weimer, DO, MCR, FASAM

In this module participants learn to describe opioid pharmacology, efficacy, and safety, as well as to explain how to start, continue, modify, and discontinue or taper opioid therapy. Read more

5: Opioid Risk Assessment, Mitigation, and Management

Presenter(s): Daniel P. Alford, MD, MPH, Phillip Coffin, MD, Melissa Weimer, DO, MCR, FASAM

This activity focuses on the assessment, mitigation and management of opioid risk. Learners are introduced to information on universal precautions and their role in opioid therapy, and monitoring and documentation strategies. The fundamental principles of urine drug testing and interpretation are reviewed, as well as the differential diagnosis for drug misuse. Naloxone and when it should be co-prescribed are also discussed. Read more

6: Understanding and Assessing Opioid Use Disorder in Patients with Chronic Pain

Presenter(s): Karen Miotto, MD, Seddon Savage, MD, Jodie Trafton, PhD, Melissa Weimer, DO, MCR, FASAM

Participants who engage in this activity learn to identify the key features of opioid use disorder (OUD). They review a neurobiological framework/explanatory model for patients with chronic pain and opioid use disorder, and learn to recognize that differentiating opioid use disorder from pain is a complex task. Participants are informed about how to perform an OUD evaluation in primary care. Read more