Understanding and Managing Substance Use Disorder

Substance Use Disorder (SUD) continues to pose complex challenges to individuals, families, and healthcare systems. This 3-hour CE course is specifically designed for Registered Nurses (RNs) to enhance their understanding and competency in identifying, assessing, and managing SUD across diverse care settings. With an emphasis on physiological, psychological, and social implications, this course provides a comprehensive overview of the disorder’s etiology and progression.

Participants will explore key treatment modalities—including detoxification, medication-assisted treatment (MAT), and behavioral therapy—while learning how to apply harm reduction strategies and relapse prevention techniques. The course emphasizes the importance of reducing stigma and unconscious bias in care delivery, enabling nurses to create a more compassionate and supportive environment. Practical insights into validated screening tools, interdisciplinary collaboration, and leveraging family and community support are also emphasized. Nurses practicing in Massachusetts, Rhode Island, West Virginia, Arizona, Indiana, New Jersey, Connecticut, and Delaware will find this course especially relevant as it fulfills the state-mandated CE requirement in SUD or drug abuse.

Educational Objectives

• Define Substance Use Disorder and describe its physiological, psychological, and social impacts.
• Recognize signs and symptoms of SUD and effectively assess its severity using validated tools.
• Explain various treatment modalities, including detoxification, medication-assisted treatment (MAT), and behavioral therapies.
• Apply harm reduction strategies and relapse prevention techniques to support patients at different stages of recovery.
• Address stigma and reduce unconscious bias toward individuals with SUD, fostering a more compassionate healthcare environment.
• Collaborate with interdisciplinary teams and utilize family and social support to promote comprehensive care for patients with SUD.

Who Should Take This Course

This course is designed for:

• Registered Nurses in Massachusetts, Rhode Island, West Virginia, Arizona, Indiana, New Jersey, Connecticut, and Delaware.
• Nurses working in inpatient care, emergency departments, outpatient clinics, or addiction treatment centers.
• Nurse leaders, case managers, and public health nurses seeking to improve patient-centered SUD management.
• RNs aiming to meet their state’s required CE credits related to substance use, opioid abuse, or behavioral health.

Did You Know?

• Approximately 21.2 million Americans aged 12 or older needed substance use treatment in 2022. [SAMHSA]
• Only about 10% of those needing treatment for SUD receive specialized care. [NIH]
• MAT has been shown to reduce opioid use-related deaths by more than 50%. [CDC]
• Nurses are often the first point of contact for individuals with SUD and can play a pivotal role in early identification and intervention.
• Integrating family and social support can significantly improve long-term recovery outcomes for SUD patients. [National Institute on Drug Abuse]