Educational Activities Archives

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.

Patient-centered care has become a crucial approach when working with patients with substance use disorder (SUD). Unfortunately, the care continuum can be interrupted for patients with SUDs, often due to stigma and discrimination. Each interruption increases challenges in access to care and can lead to patient harm. Language can intentionally or unintentionally perpetuate stigma. As people who care for patients with SUDs, we need to learn their rights so we can advocate for them and change our language to reduce stigma. This course will discuss the importance of patient-centered care, improved language when discussing substance use, and advocacy strategies that clinicians can use when caring for people who use substances.

Stimulant use, including cocaine, methamphetamine and prescription stimulants, continues to be a growing and urgent public health concern. According to the 2024 National Survey on Drug Use and Health, 9 million people in the U.S. had used stimulants not as prescribed in the past year. Though opioids are often the focus of overdose conversations, stimulant-related overdose deaths reached an estimated 51,630 in 2024, while 59% of all overdoses from January 2021 through June 2024 involved a stimulant (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2025). These trends underscore the critical need for effective treatment and engagement strategies. Several evidence-based behavioral therapies exist to help providers treat stimulant use disorder. This webinar will outline the clinical and administrative approaches to assess, treat and support people experiencing stimulant use disorder.

Explore how to effectively address the association SUD and OUD to improve care for individuals at risk for and/or experiencing co-occurring SUD and suicidality. Attendees will hear from two leading experts in suicide prevention and behavioral health.

This presentation synthesizes ethical frameworks, research evidence, and clinical examples to help practitioners make informed decisions about self-disclosure that prioritize client welfare, respect professional ethics, and optimize treatment outcomes.

Substance Use disorders in Older Adults is a growing problem not only in the United States but throughout the developed world. The Baby Boomer generation, born between 1946 and 1964 is turning 58-76 years old this year. This group is presenting with more Substance Use Disorders and need for substance use treatment now. The use of an artificial cut off age of 65 years of age as the definition of elderly or old is somewhat arbitrary and this will be discussed. The module will look at the prevalence, screening and treatment of tobacco, alcohol, opioids, non-medical use of prescription drugs and illicit opioids as well as stimulants and cocaine, marijuana and non-opioid sedative hypnotic agents. A case vignette will drive the CME portion and elucidate the tenants of the module.