Educational Activities Archives

Opioid use disorder (OUD) among women who become pregnant is increasing in prevalence in clinical settings. This course reviews the historical and current context of opioid use of women during pregnancy. The learner will follow the case study of Ashley during her pregnancy and the birth of her baby, and will engage in reflection and knowledge check questions.

Opioids are commonly prescribed for chronic pain, but are also associated with a risk for serious harms, including overdose and opioid use disorder. This course reviews risk factors for opioid misuse, opioid use disorder, and overdose in patients with chronic pain, explains methods for screening and assessing for problematic opioid use, reviews methods for mitigating risks associated with prescribed opioids, and details non-opioid treatment approaches for pain. The course is based on principles in the Center for Disease Control and Prevention’s guideline on opioids for chronic pain and reviews recent evidence on benefits and harms of opioids.

Polysubstance use has been more the rule than the exception in treating substance use problems. The problem can complicate treatment and add significantly to the morbidity of the disease. This webinar will review the co-occurrence of various drug use disorders and how to more effectively address the patient and treat the disorder.

Motivational interviewing (MI) is an evidence-based approach to guide and enhance conversations when working with patients to promote positive behavior change. Originally developed in the context of treating substance use disorders, MI is a collaborative method of communication that pays particular attention to the language of change. MI helps to strengthen intrinsic motivation for change by exploring the patient’s own reasons for change by communicating the spirit of acceptance, partnership, empowerment, and compassion. This educational activity will introduce key MI concepts, including the four tasks, the spirit of MI, and skills for evoking change talk.

This episode examines how these newer compounds differ pharmacologically, why they are more dangerous, and how clinicians can recognize and respond to kratom-related harms. Listeners will gain practical strategies for identifying kratom use disorder, managing withdrawal, and having informed, non-stigmatizing conversations with patients as these products continue to emerge and change.

Join this 1.5‑hour live virtual session featuring a multidisciplinary panel discussing interprofessional approaches to opioid withdrawal assessment. Learn about validated tools to assess opioid withdrawal, and then, through real‑world case examples, discuss professional roles and apply key concepts to practice.