Opioid Use Disorder E295

Course Summary

Practice Level: Intermediate

Opioid use disorder (OUD) is a major public health concern. It is responsible for 69% of deaths directly related to substance use as well as produces major negative mood and health effects among those living with the disorder; OUD disease burden and fatality increase annually in spite of increased understanding of the disease’s pathophysiology and proliferation of treatment approaches (Lee et al., 2024 [opens in new tab]). Approximately 6.3 million people in the United States and 20 million people globally experience OUD (Nedjat et al., 2024 [opens in new tab]). Living with chronic OUD is associated with decreased life expectancy, increased risk of comorbid illnesses, and decreased employment and earning potential (Lee et al., 2024 [opens in new tab]). Social workers, psychologists, marriage and family therapists, and counselors working in mental health and addiction settings should have a clear grasp on the risk factors of OUD as well as be able to identify the signs of opioid misuse and potential treatments. This learning material describes the pharmacology of opioids and the medications that may be used to treat opioid dependence. In addition, it discusses the risk factors for and signs of opioid misuse, as well as the diagnostic criteria and treatment approaches for individuals experiencing OUD. This learning material also presents guidelines for responsible prescription of opioids and information on effective pain management approaches. Case examples, opportunities for reflection connect the content with everyday practice, and vignettes illustrate how key concepts may present in a real client circumstance.

Course Format

This course contains downloadable online lessons (PDF) and a practice test. When you’re ready, purchase the course by clicking the “Add To Cart” or “Enroll” button. This will let you take the test, complete the course evaluation and receive your certificate for CE credits.

Learning Objectives

1. Describe opioids and medications for opioid use disorder. 
2. Recognize the risk factors, ways to address diversion, and diagnostic criteria of opioid use disorder. 
3. Explain prevention and treatment for opioid use disorders. 

Course Syllabus

• Introduction
• Overview of Opioids
• Illicit Opioid Drugs
• Responsible Prescribing of Opioids
• Withdrawal from Opioids
• Opioid Use Disorder
  • Risk Factors for Developing a Disorder
  • Signs of Opioid Related Problems
  • Diagnosis
• Prevention
• Treatment
  • Medication Assisted Treatments
  • Counseling Interventions
  • Harm Reduction Approaches
  • Peer-Based Support
• Cultural Considerations
• Summary

Author

Jessie Timmons, LCSW

Jessie Timmons, LCSW, is a seasoned therapist and teacher of social work, with experience addressing both mental illness and addictive disorders. She has been an adjunct and full-time instructor at Temple University and served for 10 years on the board of the Pennsylvania Society for Clinical Social Work (PSCSW), including one term as President. Her teaching and professional development have focused on ethical and competent clinical social work practice, social determinants of health, and effective treatment and assessment of presenting client concerns. She has extensive experience working with individuals with substance use disorders in outpatient, inpatient, and intensive outpatient settings focused on both abstinence and harm reduction.

Accreditation Approval Statements

CE4Less.com is approved by the American Psychological Association to sponsor continuing education for psychologists. CE4Less.com maintains responsibility for this program and its content.

CE4Less.com, provider #1115, is approved as an ACE provider to offer social work continuing education by the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) Approved Continuing Education (ACE) program. Regulatory boards are the final authority on courses accepted for continuing education credit. ACE provider approval period: 8/8/24-8/8/27.

Social workers completing this course receive 1 clinical continuing education credit.

This course has been approved by CE4Less.com, as a NAADAC Approved Education Provider, for educational credits. NAADAC Provider #91345, CE4Less.com is responsible for all aspects of the programing.

We are committed to providing our learners with unbiased information. CE4Less never accepts commercial support and our authors have no significant financial or other conflicts of interest pertaining to the material.