Understanding addiction is essential to successfully addressing it. By understanding the neurological responses to substances and brain changes that occur during addiction, participants will better be able to educate and treat patients with substance use disorder (SUD).  Substance Use Disorder (SUD) is often viewed as a moral failing and not as a medically treatable chronic...

Faculty

• Michelle R. Lofwall , MD, DFASAM

Overdose is the leading cause of accidental injury death in the United States surpassing motor vehicle crashes.  Opioids, prescribed for pain and used illicitly, are driving the increases in overdose deaths. Overdose prevention education and prescribing naloxone rescue kits to people at risk for opioid overdose is an emerging strategy to address opioid overdose.

Faculty

• Monica F. Roberts , PharmD

Overdose is the leading cause of accidental injury death in the United States surpassing motor vehicle crashes.  Opioids, prescribed for pain and used illicitly, are driving the increases in overdose deaths. Overdose prevention education and prescribing naloxone rescue kits to people at risk for opioid overdose is an emerging strategy to address opioid overdose.

Faculty

• Monica F. Roberts , PharmD

Opioid use disorder is a commonly encountered disorder with high levels of associated morbidity and mortality. Medications for Opioid Use Disorder (MOUD) are an effective but underutilized treatment that can save lives and improve quality of life for patients with OUD. Increasing patient access to these medications can lead to significant improvement in outcomes for patients with...

Faculty

• James D. Hawthorne III , MD

Opioid use disorder is a commonly encountered disorder with high levels of associated morbidity and mortality. Medications for Opioid Use Disorder (MOUD) are an effective but underutilized treatment that can save lives and improve quality of life for patients with OUD. Increasing patient access to these medications can lead to significant improvement in outcomes for patients with...

Faculty

• James D. Hawthorne III , MD

Less than 20% of individuals with an opioid use disorder (OUD) receive treatment including medications. Low-threshold medication for opioid use disorder (MOUD) treatment represent a key link between episodes of illness driven by opioid use disorder (OUD) and effective management of OUD.

Faculty

• Laura C. Fanucchi , MD, MPH

Less than 20% of individuals with an opioid use disorder (OUD) receive treatment including medications. Low-threshold medication for opioid use disorder (MOUD) treatment represent a key link between episodes of illness driven by opioid use disorder (OUD) and effective management of OUD.

Faculty

• Laura C. Fanucchi , MD, MPH

Motivational interviewing is a proven evidence-based approach to promote behavior change, but how it is best implemented and maintained in everyday clinical practice is often not clear. 

Faculty

• Devin A. Oller , MD, FACO, FASAM

Motivational interviewing is a proven evidence-based approached to promote behavior change, but how it is best implemented and maintained in an everyday clinical practice is often not clear.

Faculty

• Devin A. Oller , MD, FACO, FASAM

Problematic substance use often goes unrecognized in primary care settings, either due to insufficient screening or provider discomfort with how to manage a positive screen. Understanding and implementing screening and assessment tools can help providers recognize problematic substance use.

Faculty

• Katrina Nickels , MD

Problematic substance use often goes unrecognized in primary care settings, either due to insufficient screening or provider discomfort with how to manage a positive screen. Understanding and implementing screening and assessment tools can help providers recognize problematic substance use.

Faculty

• Katrina Nickels , MD

Peer support specialists (PSS) are individuals with substance use disorder in remission and lived experience with recovery who provide non-clinical, strengths-based support. The role of PSS has grown exponentially in the United States in recent decades. Georgia became the first state to begin billing for peer support services in 1999. As of 2019, over half of all facilities...

Faculty

• Amanda T. Fallin , PhD, RN

Peer support specialists (PSS) are individuals with substance use disorder in remission and lived experience with recovery who provide non-clinical, strengths-based support based on their own lived experience. The role of PSS has grown exponentially in the United States in recent decades. Georgia became the first state to begin billing for peer support services in 1999. As of 2019,...

Faculty

• Amanda T. Fallin , PhD, RN

Stimulant use, particularly methamphetamine use, has significant adverse effects on the brain and body.  As stimulant use has increased, medical consequences such as overdose and the need for hospitalization are rising. Stimulant use presents unique challenges also for addiction medicine providers treating opioid use disorder. Unlike treatment for opioid use disorder, there...

Faculty

• Danielle Anderson , MD

Stimulant use, particularly methamphetamine use, has significant adverse effects on the brain and body.  As stimulant use has increased, medical consequences such as overdose and need for hospitalization are rising. Stimulant use presents unique challenges also for addiction medicine providers treating opioid use disorder. Unlike treatment for opioid use disorder, there are no...

Faculty

• Danielle Anderson , MD

Individuals with OUD need more treatment options that can address problems such as: nonadherence, medication misuse/diversion/theft, access to care, and transportation limitations. Injectable monthly buprenorphine may help address several of the limitations associated with transmucosal buprenorphine. Healthcare providers, social workers, and others involved in the care of...

Faculty

• Michelle R. Lofwall , MD, DFASAM
• Laura K. Stinson , PharmD

Individuals with OUD need more treatment options that can address problems such as: nonadherence, medication misuse/diversion/theft, access to care, and transportation limitations. Injectable monthly buprenorphine may help address several of the limitations associated with transmucosal buprenorphine. Healthcare providers, social workers, and others involved in the care of...

Faculty

• Michelle R. Lofwall , MD, DFASAM
• Laura K. Stinson , PharmD

Alcohol use is common among patients with opioid use disorder, but how to best practices for treating co-occuring substance use is often not clear. Understanding how to screen for alcohol use disorder, education on how alcohol use impacts opioid use disorder treatment, and treatment options for co-occurring substance use is needed.

Faculty

• Devin A. Oller , MD, FACO, FASAM

Alcohol use is common among patients with opioid use disorder, but how to best practices for treating co-occuring substance use is often not clear. Understanding how to screen for alcohol use disorder, education on how alcohol use impacts opioid use disorder treatment, and treatment options for co-occurring substance use is needed.

Faculty

• Devin A. Oller , MD, FACO, FASAM

The rate of smoking is much higher in patients with opioid use disorder compared to the general population, placing patients at risk for negative health outcomes related to substance use. Many of these individuals are not offered treatment for tobacco use.

Faculty

• Laura K. Stinson , PharmD

The rate of smoking is much higher in patients with opioid use disorder compared to the general population, placing patients at risk for negative health outcomes related to substance use. Many of these individuals are not offered treatment for tobacco use.

Faculty

• Laura K. Stinson , PharmD

There is a need to recognize that a hospitalization is a recovery opportunity for patients with opioid use disorder (OUD). Furthermore, there is a need to improve inpatient care of patients with OUD, optimize pain control for these patients, reduce stigma that patients experience during hospitalization, and improve harm reduction education for these patients.

Faculty

• Daniel T. Weaver , MD, FACP
• Anna-Maria South , MD

There is a need to recognize that a hospitalization is a recovery opportunity for patients with opioid use disorder (OUD). Furthermore, there is a need to improve inpatient care of patients with OUD, optimize pain control for these patients, reduce stigma that patients experience during hospitalization, and improve harm reduction education for these patients.

SMART Recovery tools uses evidence-based methods that have been proven to be more successful than harsh interventions or complete detachment, but if often not recommended by healthcare professionals when advising clients on mutual help groups. SMART Recovery tools equips families and friends of a person with an addiction disorder to develop more effective coping strategies that can...

Faculty

• Lise Roemmele , RN MSN

SMART Recovery tools use evidence-based methods that have been proven to be more successful than harsh interventions or complete detachment, but are often not recommended by healthcare professionals when advising clients on mutual help groups. SMART Recovery tools equip families and friends of a person with an addiction disorder to develop more effective coping strategies that can...

Faculty

• Lise Roemmele , RN MSN

Acute and chronic pain syndromes in patients with opioid use disorder (OUD) can be safely and effectively managed with a multimodal approach. Understanding the complex factors that contribute to pain syndromes generally and in the context of OUD helps inform comprehensive treatment.

Faculty

• Katrina Nickels , MD

Acute and chronic pain syndromes in patients with opioid use disorder (OUD) can be safely and effectively managed with a multimodal approach.Understanding the complex factors that contribute to pain syndromes generally and in the context of OUD helps inform comprehensive treatment.

Faculty

• Katrina Nickels , MD

Harm reduction practices can reduce the risk of illness or injury among people who use drugs. Formal settings such as healthcare, corrections, or recovery and treatment programs can be opportunities for conversations about harm reduction.

Faculty

• Alyssa M. Tremblay , MSW CSW
• Kate Dunn , BSN, RN

Harm reduction practices can reduce the risk of illness or injury among people who use drugs. Formal settings such as healthcare, corrections, or recovery and treatment programs can be opportunities for conversations about harm reduction.

Faculty

• Alyssa M. Tremblay , MSW CSW
• Kate Dunn , BSN, RN

Substance use disorder research is not often conducted on pregnant persons leaving providers with many questions and often feeling ill-equipped to treat this vulnerable population. There is a need to review and discuss what is known about substance use in pregnancy and the effective treatments.

Faculty

• Michelle R. Lofwall , MD, DFASAM

Substance use disorder research is not often conducted on pregnant persons leaving providers often with many questions and often feeling ill-equipped to treat this vulnerable population. There is a need to review and discuss what is known about substance use in pregnancy, including effective treatment options that can be offered to this patient population.

Faculty

• Michelle R. Lofwall , MD, DFASAM

The practice of addiction medicine is in need of standardization regarding nomenclature, types of care, and steps in the continuum of care. The ASAM Criteria and ASAM Levels of Care seek to fill this need and close this gap.

Faculty

• James P. Murphy , MD

The practice of addiction medicine is in need of standardization regarding nomenclature, types of care, and steps in the continuum of care. The ASAM Criteria and ASAM Levels of Care seek to fill this need and close this gap.

Faculty

• James P. Murphy , MD

Practice gaps include the consistent integration of psychiatric and addiction treatment, providing trauma informed care in this setting, and utilizing addiction informed care from a neuropsychiatric perspective.  While the understanding of addiction as a disease of the brain has been widely studied and established, the stigma of addictive disorders remains a major barrier for...

Faculty

• Chris Stewart , MD

Practice gaps include the consistent integration of psychiatric and addiction treatment, providing trauma informed care in this setting, and utilizing addiction informed care from a neuropsychiatric perspective.  While the understanding of addiction as a disease of the brain has been widely studied and established, the stigma of addictive disorders remains a major barrier for...

Faculty

• Chris Stewart , MD

Individuals that identify as LGBTQ+ have unique healthcare needs and treatment considerations. Understanding Minority Stress and how this affects recovery is crucial for the treatment of OUD in the LGBTQ+ population.

Faculty

• Steven D. Johnson , PhD, LCSW

Individuals that identify as LGBTQ+ have unique healthcare needs and treatment considerations. Understanding Minority Stress and how this affects recovery is crucial for the treatment of OUD in the LGBTQ+ population.

Faculty

• Steven D. Johnson , PhD, LCSW

Prior to the development of FDA approved medications for Opioid Use Disorder, twelve step programs provided one of the only options for managing opioid use disorder. As the prevalence of Opioid use disorder and opioid related deaths has increased, so has the need for treatment that addresses the biopsychosocial aspects of the disease.

Patients with OUD taking evidence-based...

Faculty

• Danielle Anderson , MD
• Nick Kimberlain

Prior to the development of FDA approved medications for Opioid Use Disorder, twelve step programs provided one of the only options for managing opioid use disorder. As the prevalence of Opioid use disorder and opioid related deaths has increased, so has the need for treatment that addresses the biopsychosocial aspects of the disease.

Patients with OUD taking evidence-based...

Faculty

• Danielle Anderson , MD
• Nick Kimberlain

Access to medications for opioid use disorder is limited in part due to minimal provider knowledge about treatment options, including extended-release naltrexone. Adequate understanding among providers and patients of the risks involved with extended release naltrexone contribute to lower rates of retention in care on this medication compared to other forms of MOUD. Significant...

Faculty

• Devin A. Oller , MD, FACO, FASAM

Access to medications for opioid use disorder is limited in part due to minimal provider knowledge about treatment options, including extended-release naltrexone. Adequate understanding among providers and patients of the risks involved with extended release naltrexone contribute to lower rates of retention in care on this medication compared to other forms of MOUD. Significant...

Faculty

• Devin A. Oller , MD, FACO, FASAM

Maintaining recovery often requires keeping a detailed schedule, active planning, and being accountable to your support network. During the holidays, many people have different schedules, travel, and see new and different people. 

The changes in schedule, location, and support network may cause "triggers" or require additional support. By understanding how holidays can...

Faculty

• Chelsie M. Gamboa
• Nick Kimberlain

Medications for Opioid Use Disorder (MOUD) are an effective but underutilized treatment that can save lives and improve quality of life for patients with OUD. Despite the evidence that MOUD save lives, behavioral interventions are often used alone in a treatment plan or as a requirement to gain access to MOUD. Understanding behavioral interventions in the treatment of OUD and as a...

Faculty

• Laura C. Fanucchi , MD, MPH

Medications for Opioid Use Disorder (MOUD) are an effective but underutilized treatment that can save lives and improve quality of life for patients with OUD. Despite the evidence that MOUD save lives, behavioral interventions are often used alone in a treatment plan or as a requirement to gain access to MOUD. Understanding behavioral interventions in the treatment of OUD and as a...

Faculty

• Laura C. Fanucchi , MD, MPH

In recent years, there has been an increase in the use and subsequent harm from synthetic substances available in “headshops” and online. Awareness of these substances and their effects is important to promote the health and safety of people who use drugs.

Faculty

• Regan A. Baum , PharmD
• Jordan Kelsch , PharmD MPH
• Peter Akpunonu , MD, FAAEM, FFSEM, FACEP

Self-care behaviors build resiliency and psychological well-being in helping professionals.  Identifying and practicing specific evidence-based self-care behaviors supportive of the core components of psychological well-being, (Positive emotion, Engagement, Relationships, Meaning, Achievement), improves the mental and emotional health of helping professionals.  

Faculty

• Eric Wilkinson , MSW, LCSW
• Rhonda Henry , MSW, LCSW

The treatment of substance use disorder and serious mental illness must occur concurrently to increase the chances of success in the treatment of each one.  Recognizing the presence of co-morbid psychiatric disorders and initiating...

Faculty

• Colleen Ryan , MD

The treatment of substance use disorder and serious mental illness must occur concurrently to increase chances of success in the treatment of each one.  Recognizing the presence of co-morbid psychiatric disorders and initiating...

Faculty

• Colleen Ryan , MD

Current guidelines recommend the use of medication for opioid use disorder in youth, but this is not commonly used in clinical practice. This activity will help close gaps in provider knowledge of evidence-based treatments for youth with...

Faculty

• Justine Welsh , MD

Current guidelines recommend the use of medication for opioid use disorder in youth, but this is not commonly used in clinical practice. This activity will help close gaps in provider knowledge of evidence-based treatments for youth with...

Faculty

• Justine Welsh , MD

Understanding the relationship between substance use disorders and HIV and hepatitis C will allow for better treatment outcomes for persons with Substance Use Disorders. Faculty

• James Grubbs , MD

Understanding the relationship between substance use disorders and HIV and hepatitis C will allow for better treatment outcomes for persons with Substance Use Disorders. 

Faculty

• James Grubbs , MD

Opioid overdoses are largely encountered and treated by paramedics and EMTs usually with naloxone and supportive care. While naloxone is a lifesavingFaculty

• Rachel Haroz , MD

Opioid overdoses are largely encountered and treated by paramedics and EMTs usually with naloxone and supportive care. While naloxone is a lifesavingFaculty

• Rachel Haroz , MD

Syringe Services Programs (SSP’s), also called Syringe Exchange Programs (SEP’s), are a key component of a comprehensive strategy to address the opioid, HIV and Hepatitis C epidemics, providing public health services to a...

Faculty

• Jana D. Collins , MS
• Chase Barnes , MPH

Healthcare workers have distinct training backgrounds and roles in patient care and medical, mental, and substance use healthcare services often operate independently from each other. Understanding...

Faculty

• Katrina Nickels , MD

Healthcare workers have distinct training backgrounds and roles in patient care and medical, mental, and substance use healthcare services often operate independently from each other. Understanding...

Faculty

• Katrina Nickels , MD

The purpose of this training is to educate the participants about the Trauma-Informed Care Continuum and the pervasiveness of trauma in our communities, including the current opioid crisis and substance use disorder. Individuals who struggle with substance use disorder are at an increased risk for exposure to traumas, in addition to risk factors unique to their culture....

Faculty

• Kristal Hankinson , LMFT

Understanding addiction is essential to successfully addressing it. By understanding the neurological responses to substances and theories of addiction, participants will better be able to treat patients with SUD. Furthermore, substance Use Disorder (SUD) is often looked at as a moral failing and not as a medically treatable chronic illness.

Faculty

• Michelle R. Lofwall , MD, DFASAM

Language can be used intentionally or unintentionally to perpetuate stigma in a healthcare setting. Changing our language is a crucial component of reducing stigma to improve the lives and health of people who use drugs or alcohol and people with addiction. This module will address this need.

Faculty

• Devin A. Oller , MD, FACO, FASAM

In recent years, there has been an increase in the use and subsequent harm from synthetic substances available in “headshops” and online. Awareness of these substances and their effects is important to promote the health and safety of people who use drugs.

Faculty

• Devin A. Oller , MD, FACO, FASAM

Several behaviors—including gambling, internet gaming, and binge eating—significantly impact the well-being of individuals, but research is lacking on the best approaches to diagnosing and managing these...

Faculty

• Devin A. Oller , MD, FACO, FASAM
• Liza B. Bastin , MD

In recent years, there has been an increase in the use and subsequent harm from synthetic substances available in “headshops” and online. Awareness of these substances and their effects is important to promote the health and safety of people who use drugs.

Faculty

• Devin A. Oller , MD, FACO, FASAM
• Liza B. Bastin , MD