Substance Use Disorder (SUD) Awareness & Treatment
Blended Learning (Clinical Lecture + Skills-Based Case Studies)
Substance Use Disorder (SUD) Awareness & Treatment
Blended Learning (Clinical Lecture + Skills-Based Case Studies)
Program Overview
This course treats addiction as a chronic, relapsing brain disease rather than a moral failing. It provides a foundational understanding of the neurobiology of substance use, evidence-based pharmacological treatments, and the application of the "Stages of Change" model. Participants will learn how to reduce stigma through language and implement brief interventions that facilitate the path to recovery.
- The Neurobiology of Addiction Core Concept: The "Hijacked Brain."
Focus Areas: Understanding the dopamine reward pathway; the physiological transition from "impulsive" use to "compulsive" use; and the brain’s neuroplasticity during recovery.
- Treatment Modalities & MAT Core Concept: The "Gold Standard" of Care.
Focus Areas: Overview of Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) for Opioids and Alcohol; the role of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) in relapse prevention.
- The Transtheoretical Model (Stages of Change) Core Concept: Meeting the patient where they are.
Focus Areas: Navigating the stages: Pre-contemplation, Contemplation, Preparation, Action, Maintenance, and Relapse; matching clinical interventions to the patient's current stage.
- SBIRT Framework & Stigma Reduction Core Concept: Early intervention and compassionate care.
Focus Areas: Implementation of Screening, Brief Intervention, and Referral to Treatment; transitioning to person-first language (e.g., "Person with a Substance Use Disorder" vs. "Addict").
Learning Objectives
- Explain the physiological basis of SUD as a chronic health condition.
- Apply the SBIRT framework to identify and refer patients within a clinical setting.
- Identify the appropriate stage of change and select a corresponding motivational interviewing strategy.
- Evaluate the benefits and clinical indications for various MAT medications.
Requirements
- Language Audit: Review and revise a set of sample patient notes to replace stigmatizing terminology with person-first, clinically accurate language.
- SBIRT Simulation: Successfully perform a "Brief Negotiated Interview" (BNI) during a recorded or live role-play exercise.
- ASAM Placement Quiz: Pass a case-study quiz focused on matching patient severity to the correct ASAM (American Society of Addiction Medicine) Level of Care.
- Community Resource Guide: Develop a localized directory of MAT providers, detox centers, and harm-reduction services (e.g., syringe exchange, Narcan distribution).