Educational Activities Archives

As the United States is experiencing an unprecedented drug-related overdose epidemic, there are steps we can take to prevent them. In this episode, we’ll discuss overdose prevention strategies, including the benefits of naloxone for opioid-related overdose prevention. We’ll also take a look at ways to reduce stigma and bias related to overdose prevention.

Low back pain is a prevalent issue that presents challenges in its treatment. While opioids are often used to manage low back pain, evidence supporting their long-term effectiveness is limited, and they come with significant adverse effects. This instructional module aims to provide the entire healthcare team with a structured approach to integrating opioids into the management of low back pain. The instructors will stress the significance of incorporating opioid usage within a comprehensive pain management strategy that: 1. Takes into account psychosocial factors contributing to pain; 2. Recognizes that opioids are not the first-line treatment for low back pain and may not be suitable for all patients; 3. Utilizes non-opioid treatment options; 4. Consistently incorporates strategies to minimize risks and reassess patients periodically.

The current opioid and drug overdose crisis continues to have a devastating impact on morbidity and mortality in the United States. With the rise in use of potent synthetic opioids like fentanyl in the drug supply, creating linkages to comprehensive substance use related services is critical. Opioid Treatment Programs (OTP) and the comprehensive care and services they provide play a vital role in addressing this need, yet challenges remain. Despite clear evidence of the benefits of OTP’s, access to OTPs in some parts of the country is limited; stigma related to the use of methadone remains a challenge. Yet in the face of these headwinds, many OTPs are providing comprehensive leading-edge services to address the opioid and drug overdose crisis.

The purpose of this guide is to provide practical clinical practice-based guidance, based on available research combined with emerging clinical experience, on the use of buprenorphine in the treatment of individuals using fentanyl and other highly potent synthetic opioids. 

View Guidance.

This Treatment Improvement Protocol (TIP) reviews the use of the three Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved medications used to treat opioid use disorder (OUD)—methadone, naltrexone, and buprenorphine—and the other strategies and services needed to support recovery for people with OUD.