“Street Drugs” to Adult Addiction & Everything in Between

Participants will have the opportunity to recollect and engage in dialogue regarding the historical aspects of substance use and abuse in the United States, exploring its contemporary societal implications. They will analyze morbidity and mortality statistics related to Schedule I illicit substances and Controlled Prescription Drugs. Furthermore, they will delineate and succinctly describe the usage patterns and resulting effects of these substances.

Acquire the ability to elucidate the meanings of psychological and physiological dependency, overdose, and addiction. They will be empowered to implement the 2022 CDC Revised Guidelines for prescribing controlled substances within their professional practices. Additionally, they will assess drug-seeking behavior and discern patients' motives for seeking medications for diversion and unauthorized use. The participants will also utilize strategies such as recognizing historical indicators and employing specific examination techniques to identify instances of drug-seeking behavior.

Participants will engage in a discussion about the inception of the Controlled Substance Act of 1970 and their prescriptive authority for these drugs. They will showcase a comprehensive comprehension of psychotherapeutic drugs and controlled prescription substances intended for pain management. Furthermore, they will elaborate on prescribing guidelines, mechanism of action, adverse reactions, and precautions for various Schedule II, III, and IV prescription medications.

Delve into the historical timeline of the opioid pain medication crisis in the United States, spanning from the 1990s to the current period. They will retain information about morbidity and mortality rates associated with the abuse of controlled prescription medications. Additionally, participants will display a grasp of the pathophysiological effects of opioids on the central nervous system (CNS) and how these effects contribute to the onset of substance use disorder.

Gain a comprehensive understanding of chronic pain as a persistent disease process. They will acknowledge its substantial impact on both patients and their families. Moreover, participants will adhere to the interventional pain management treatment protocol and assess the necessity of referring patients when appropriate.

Become equipped to assess the primary risk factors and theories associated with substance experimentation, abuse, and substance use disorder. They will also be proficient in recognizing prevalent triggers and reinforcers of substance use disorder. Furthermore, participants will acknowledge both intrinsic and extrinsic biases that individuals hold regarding addiction. They will demonstrate the ability to utilize the DSM-5-TR criteria for evaluating and diagnosing individuals with substance use disorder. Lastly, participants will engage in discussions regarding the stages of addiction, relapse, and the recovery process.

Develop the ability to distinguish between misconceptions and actualities concerning adolescent substance use and abuse. They will also retain data on morbidity and mortality rates related to adolescent substance use and misuse of both legal and illicit substances. Additionally, participants will grasp the neurobiological aspects of adolescents that render them especially susceptible to substance use disorder. They will apply clinical and diagnostic instruments to recognize addictive behavior in adolescents and contribute to their recovery. Lastly, attendees will assess the effectiveness of substance use disorder treatment specific to adolescents.

Attendees will have the capacity to remember the rates of morbidity and mortality linked to adult substance misuse involving illicit substances, alcohol, and controlled prescription drugs. They will be adept at screening adult patients for substance use disorder and discerning the opportune moment for intervention and subsequent treatment referrals. Understanding the reinforcing impact of opioid withdrawal syndrome, participants will apply suitable clinical strategies, including the use of substance use disorder medications during a patient's detoxification and rehabilitation. Moreover, they will be able to articulate the significance of supportive therapies in the context of addressing substance use disorder.