Naltrexone

Due to the opioid epidemic, over 2.5 million adults in the U.S. have opioid use disorder (OUD), yet only 25% of those who need treatment receive recommended medication for opioid use disorder (MOUD). Alongside the rising rates of OUD, there has been an increase in infectious diseases such as HIV, hepatitis B and C, endocarditis and skin and soft-tissue infections, particularly among people who inject drugs. These intertwining epidemics have not been sufficiently addressed, but MOUD — combined with appropriate substance use treatment supports and health care services — represents an opportunity to reduce risk and improve health outcomes.

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. 

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. 

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.

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

As the opioid use crisis continues to progress, communities across the country are now being faced with additional dangers such as the misuse of Xylazine, a powerful sedative commonly used for animals in the drug supply. Recent studies indicate these potent substances when used with opioids increase overdose risk and complicates treatment and long-term healthcare. Join us today as we discuss the history and context of Xylazine and opioid use as well as options for treatment and care.

Shared decision-making (SDM) involves a collaborative discussion between the patient and clinician about treatment options, advantages and disadvantages, and helps to identify the optimal treatment based on patient-specific needs and goals.and helps to identify the optimal treatment based on patient-specific needs and goals.

Note: Once the live event has passed, please allow two weeks for the recording to be posted. Webinar Description: The treatment of opioid use disorder in rural communities can be challenging because of transportation, connectivity, and other barriers. Telemedicine can help with those barriers as well, but presents additional challenges. This talk will discuss some of the challenges related to the treatment of opioid use disorder in rural settings. We will discuss the benefits and pitfalls that come with the use of telemedicine. We will also discuss the challenges with obtaining urine toxicology screening and why it may not be a significant problem.

SAMHSA: Learn about the federal statutes, regulations, and guidelines that apply to medications for practitioners and opioid treatment programs (OTPs).

Transitioning from jails and prisons back into the community can be especially difficult for people with opioid use disorders (OUD). Research suggests that opioid use overdose increases dramatically within the first 30 days of citizens returning to the community. Further, individuals recently released from incarceration face a risk of opioid overdose ten times greater than the general public. During these transitions it is critical that people receive seamless and appropriate resources in order to prevent overdose and return to use. This proper transition can help lower health care costs, hospitalizations and emergency department visits, as well as decrease mortality and recidivism for justice-involved individuals, yet at this time only 13 states have sought Medicaid waivers to provide SUD services pre-release. Join us today as we explore how programs can successfully develop services to ensure returning citizens receive appropriate care to address OUD.