OVERVIEW

Buprenorphine-Naloxone Treatments for Opioid Use Disorder Course is organized by NurseCe4less.

Statement of Learning Need:
The current recommended use of buprenorphine-naloxone in the treatment of substance use is to discourage patients from using opioids. Clinicians also need to know the risks and side effects of buprenorphine-naloxone treatment. As the field of opioid use grows, all health team members need to be informed of the varied methods of drug use and existing treatment options aimed at prevention.

Course Purpose:
To increase health clinician knowledge of the recommended use, benefits and risks of buprenorphine-naloxone treatment.

Course Summary:
An opioid use disorder is a complex process that is caused by repeated exposure to the drugs, and there are genetic, psychological, social, and physical factors that contribute to its development. Repeated use of an opioid provides strong physical and psychological motivators to continue taking it and strong physical and psychological discouragements to stop. Buprenorphine-naloxone is discussed in terms of the treatment of opioid substance use with the primary goal of treatment being to discourage patients from using. Varied methods of drug use and existing treatment options aimed at prevention as well as the clinical risks and side effects of buprenorphine-naloxone treatment are reviewed.