Educational Activities Archives

Over 2.5 million adults in the U.S. are diagnosed with OUD. In 2022, 12.7% of ED visits involved opioids. Yet only 25% of those who need treatment receive recommended MOUD. MOUDs are highly effective treatments that have been shown to decrease opioid use, cravings and transmission of infectious disease, and to increase retention in treatment. As the opioid epidemic continues to impact people across the U.S., the ED represents a critical access point to the health care system, supporting people with OUD by initiating MOUD, such as buprenorphine, and connecting them to low-threshold, easy-to-access care for continued treatment.

This session explores the clinical and policy landscape of providing medications for opioid use disorder (MOUD) in jails, prisons, and reentry settings. Dr. Arthur Robin Williams and Dr. Peter Treitler review recent research on the effectiveness of MOUD in reducing overdose and improving post-release treatment engagement. The session highlights key differences among methadone, buprenorphine, and extended-release naltrexone, including regulatory and logistical considerations unique to correctional environments. Learners will examine policy updates, case-based examples, and implementation strategies that support evidence-based treatment access. The session also addresses interdisciplinary collaboration, diversion concerns, and continuity of care across incarceration and reentry.

This educational activity, presented by Dr. Phillip Coffin, explores the evolving landscape of methamphetamine use amidst the growing presence of fentanyl. Attendees will gain insights into current morbidity and mortality trends, the physiological mechanisms behind methamphetamine toxicity, and evidence-based interventions for managing methamphetamine use disorder (MeUD). Emphasis will be placed on comprehensive prevention, treatment strategies, and addressing the long-term cardiovascular and neuropsychiatric impacts associated with chronic use.

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.

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.

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.