The Opioid Epidemic: A Review of the Contributing Factors, Negative Consequences, and Best Practices (1 credit hour)

Program Summary:  This course explores contributing factors to the US opioid epidemic, including the overprescription of opiates and opioids and the lack of education and opportunity. In addition, the course discusses major risk factors for opioid abuse and OUD and identifies negative consequences of opioid misuse.  Best practices and the impact of prescription drug monitoring programs are examined.  DSM 5 diagnostic criteria and treatment options are given.

This course is recommended for social workers, counselors, and therapists and is appropriate for beginning and intermediate levels of practice.

Reading 1: The Opioid Epidemic: A Review of the Contributing Factors, Negative Consequences, and Best Practices by Dallin Judd, Connor R. King, Curtis Galke / Cureus

Reading 2:  Opioids/ NIDA

Book Icon Open the Course Reading Here.

Course Objectives:  To enhance professional practice, values, skills and knowledge by exploring the US opioid epidemic and identifying contributing factors, major risk factors, negative consequences, and best practices.

Learning Objectives:  Describe contributing factors to the US opioid epidemic, including the overprescription of opiates and opioids.  Identify major risk factors for opioid misuse.  Describe the negative consequences of the opioid crisis and best practices for healthcare providers.

Course Available Until: November 30, 2029.

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1: Opioids became broadly available in the US in the
 
 
 
 
2: Which country has the highest rate of opioid consumption per capita?
 
 
 
 
3: The major risk factors for opioid abuse include
 
 
 
 
 
4: In the 1990s, external authorities proposed that physicians use a patient's self reported ________ as a 'fifth vital sign'.
 
 
 
 
5: While the US makes up 4.4% of the world's population, it consumes over __________ of the world's opioids.
 
 
 
 
6: Just over ____________ of all people with OUD obtained their supply of drugs from relatives with a prescription.
 
 
 
 
7: Individuals with OUD bring necessary and important reimbursement to rural hospitals.
 
 
8: The prescription drug monitoring program tracks
 
 
 
 
9: Fentanyl is __________ more potent than morphine.
 
 
 
 
10: Which of the following is a sign that a person may be experiencing an overdose and require immediate medical attention?
 
 
 
 
 
11: If you think someone is overdosing, what should you do?
 
 
 
 

In order to purchase or take this course, you will need to log in. If you do not have an account, you will need to register for a free account.

After you log in, a link will appear here that will allow you to purchase this course.

Review our pre-reading study guide.

G.M. Rydberg-Cox, MSW, LSCSW is the Continuing Education Director at Free State Social Work and responsible for the development of this course.  She received her Masters of Social Work in 1996 from the Jane Addams School of Social Work at the University of Illinois-Chicago and she has over 20 years of experience.  She has lived and worked as a social worker in Chicago, Boston, and Kansas City.  She has practiced for many years in the area of hospital/medical social work.  The reading materials for this course were developed by another organization.

Course Available Until: November 30, 2029.
Filed under: Clinical, Diagnosis / Treatment, Opioids