Educational Activities Archives

Introduces evidence-based clinical practices of pharmacotherapy and behavioral treatments for substance use disorders. Off label medications and psychosocial support programs are also discussed.

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.

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.

Transitioning from jails and prisons back into the community can be especially difficult for people with opioid use disorders (OUD). Research suggests that opioid use overdose increases dramatically within the first 30 days of citizens returning to the community. Further, individuals recently released from incarceration face a risk of opioid overdose ten times greater than the general public. During these transitions it is critical that people receive seamless and appropriate resources in order to prevent overdose and return to use. This proper transition can help lower health care costs, hospitalizations and emergency department visits, as well as decrease mortality and recidivism for justice-involved individuals, yet at this time only 13 states have sought Medicaid waivers to provide SUD services pre-release. Join us today as we explore how programs can successfully develop services to ensure returning citizens receive appropriate care to address OUD.

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.