Opioid Use Disorder
Course Overview
Morphine and heroin were first synthesized and used medicinally in the nineteenth century, and recreational and illicit use followed. Historically, heroin dependence has been difficult to treat successfully, with poor outcome being attributed to patient characteristics, environmental factors, and the powerful reinforcing effects of the drug. Agonist-replacement therapy was introduced 40 years ago and represented a breakthrough in the management of heroin addiction. Advances in treatment have included newer pharmacotherapies, psychosocial therapy, and the growth and accessibility of 12-step programs such as Narcotics Anonymous. This course will provide the most pertinent, up-to-date information regarding the characteristics of the patients with opioid use disorder; the mechanism of opioid action and the neurobiology of opioid addiction; the epidemiology, diagnosis and risk factors of opioid abuse and dependence; and pharmacologic, psychosocial, 12-step/self-help, and alternative therapies that are effective in treating opioid use disorders. Additionally, the demographics, characteristics, comorbidity and treatment of synthetic and prescription opioid use disorder will be addressed.
Learning Outcomes
Upon the completion of this course, the learner should be able to:
- Define key terms associated with opioid abuse and dependence.
- Outline the background and epidemiology of opioid use and abuse, including risk factors for misuse and dependence.
- Describe the pharmacology and clinical effects of opioids.
- Discuss characteristics of specific opioid drugs and opioid antagonists.
- Review the natural history, pathophysiology, and effects of opioid abuse and dependence.
- Identify signs and symptoms of opioid overdose and withdrawal.
- List the issues associated with the abuse of or dependence on legitimately prescribed opioids.
- Discuss the role of crisis intervention and harm reduction in the management of opioid abuse and dependence.
- Identify methods of managing the detoxification and withdrawal associated with cessation of opioid abuse or dependence.
- Discuss therapies used to maintain extended abstinence from opioids, including agonist replacement and abstinence therapies.
- Identify common psychologic comorbidities present in opioid-dependent patients and implications for treatment.
- Outline the effects of opioid use on fetuses and neonates and appropriate interventions for opioid-dependent pregnant women.
- Identify factors associated with favorable/unfavorable treatment outcome.
About the Author/Presenter
Mark Rose, BS, MA, LP, is a licensed psychologist in the State of Minnesota with a private consulting practice and a medical research analyst with a biomedical communications firm. Earlier healthcare technology assessment work led to medical device and pharmaceutical sector experience in new product development involving cancer ablative devices and pain therapeutics. Along with substantial experience in addiction research, Mr. Rose has contributed to the authorship of numerous papers on CNS, oncology, and other medical disorders. He is the lead author of papers published in peer-reviewed addiction, psychiatry, and pain medicine journals and has written books on prescription opioids and alcoholism published by the Hazelden Foundation. He also serves as an Expert Advisor and Expert Witness to law firms that represent disability claimants or criminal defendants on cases related to chronic pain, psychiatric/substance use disorders, and acute pharmacologic/toxicologic effects. Mr. Rose is on the Board of Directors of the Minneapolis-based International Institute of Anti-Aging Medicine and is a member of several professional organizations.
Audience/Accreditations and Approvals
TRC Healthcare/ NetCE
In support of improving patient care, this activity has been planned and implemented by TRC Healthcare/ NetCE. TRC Healthcare/NetCE is jointly accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME), the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE), and the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC), to provide continuing education for the healthcare team.
This course is designed for the following healthcare professions (select your profession for details):
Counselor, Dental AGD Code: 157, Nursing, Pharmacy, Physician, Psychology, Social Work
If you require special accommodations, please contact Colibri Healthcare Support by clicking here: Contact Us
