Educational Activities Archives

Provides an overview of the history of opioid use with an overview of contributing factors to the current epidemic. Using clinical cases, opioid use disorder is then discussed in detail. Finally, there is a discussion of treatment options.

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

In this webinar, researchers from the Social Action Lab at the University of Pennsylvania will discuss a novel, virtual social-behavioral intervention, GROV (Grid for Reduction of Regional Vulnerability), which is funded by the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) under the DP01 mechanism led by PI Dolores Albarracin. The presentation will showcase how the intervention seeks to foster effective social regulation of community challenges as a way of promoting HIV and HCV testing, preventing overdoses, seeking mental and physical health treatments, establishing social relationships, etc. The research team will delve into the intervention’s design and procedures and share preliminary results during the webinar, followed by a question-and-answer session for attendees.

This podcast will be published on the SAEM website and in promotional materials, such as our weekly newsletter, to inform learners of the activity’s contents and goals.

Most treatments and interventions for Opioid Use Disorder (OUD) require that individuals engage in interpersonal communication with their health service providers or individuals in their recovery support network. However, at the specific moment when people resume their misuse of opioids, they are often alone or with people who enable their substance use. This webinar will provide information on the utilization of paced breathing exercises, delivered by smartphone, for self-management of drug cravings, stress, and anxiety. This session will include an overview of just-in-time interventions for substance use disorders, the biological basis for paced-breathing effectiveness, and user experience results from a pilot study.

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.