Webinar Archives

This presentation, led by Dr. Michelle P. Durham provides an in-depth analysis of the systemic inequities that Black individuals face in accessing and receiving substance use treatment. The discussion highlights historical and contemporary factors contributing to these disparities, including the impact of systemic racism, discrimination, and mass incarceration. It explores the role of U.S. drug policies and the ongoing consequences of the War on Drugs, which disproportionately affect Black communities. Dr. Durham emphasizes the need for culturally responsive treatment approaches and the importance of addressing social determinants of health to reduce these inequities. The presentation also discusses the psychological toll of these systemic challenges and offers actionable strategies for creating more equitable treatment environments. Through data and research, the presentation aims to educate healthcare providers on how to better support Black patients with substance use disorders (SUDs) and advocate for systemic changes in the healthcare and criminal justice systems. This presentation is designed to empower healthcare professionals to address these gaps and work towards a more just and equitable healthcare system for Black patients with substance use disorders. 

In this webinar, researchers from the Social Action Lab at the University of Pennsylvania will discuss a novel, virtual social-behavioral intervention, GROV (Grid for Reduction of Regional Vulnerability), which is funded by the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) under the DP01 mechanism led by PI Dolores Albarracin. The presentation will showcase how the intervention seeks to foster effective social regulation of community challenges as a way of promoting HIV and HCV testing, preventing overdoses, seeking mental and physical health treatments, establishing social relationships, etc. The research team will delve into the intervention’s design and procedures and share preliminary results during the webinar, followed by a question-and-answer session for attendees.

This webinar provides essential insights into addressing the opioid overdose crisis and improving substance use care. It equips healthcare providers with evidence-based strategies for overdose prevention, including naloxone distribution, and explores innovative approaches to engage at-risk populations. Key topics include the role of substance use care providers and new methods to reduce overdose deaths.

This webinar on “Recovery Supports for Youth and Young Adults with Opioid Use Disorder,” presented by Dr. Peter Jackson, Medical Director of the University of Vermont Medical Center Addiction Treatment Center and Assistant Professor of Psychiatry at the University of Vermont Larner College of Medicine. This session, brought to you by the Providers Clinical Support System – Medications for Opioid Use Disorders (PCSS-MOUD), will delve into family-based interventions, school-based recovery programs, and mutual help support. Gain valuable knowledge to enhance your practice and support young individuals on their recovery journey.

Most treatments and interventions for Opioid Use Disorder (OUD) require that individuals engage in interpersonal communication with their health service providers or individuals in their recovery support network. However, at the specific moment when people resume their misuse of opioids, they are often alone or with people who enable their substance use. This webinar will provide information on the utilization of paced breathing exercises, delivered by smartphone, for self-management of drug cravings, stress, and anxiety. This session will include an overview of just-in-time interventions for substance use disorders, the biological basis for paced-breathing effectiveness, and user experience results from a pilot study.

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.

Our sixth and final webinar in the series will explore ethical, clinical, and practical issues when assessing and treating individuals in drug treatment courts, those referred by supervision officers, those incarcerated, and those otherwise involved in the justice system. Learn how to deliver person-centered care that respects client choice and is consistent with court mandates and expectations. Understand the role of the addiction professional when the Court and the Client have different goals.

Our fifth webinar in this series sheds light on the vital contributions of peer support specialists in the interdisciplinary approach to opioid use disorder treatment. These individuals who have walked a similar path offer invaluable understanding and guidance. Learn how peers play an essential role in fostering hope, building community, and achieving lasting recovery.

In the fourth part of this series, we will delve into the indispensable role of counselors within the interdisciplinary care framework for opioid use disorder. Discover the techniques and strategies they use to provide emotional and psychological support, helping individuals navigate the complex path to recovery.

The third part of this series will spotlight addiction psychiatrists, another pivotal role in the treatment of opioid use disorder. Explore their specialized skills, including psychological therapies, medication management, and medication-assisted treatment that are crucial in addressing the complexities of opioid use disorder. Join us to understand their role in the interdisciplinary care mosaic.