Substance Use Disorders: An Introduction

Substance Use Disorders (SUDs) are chronic, relapsing medical conditions that impact individuals, families, and communities. This 1-hour CME/CE course provides an essential introduction to the neurobiology, epidemiology, and treatment of SUD. Participants will explore the evolving landscape of addiction medicine through the lens of pharmacologic therapies, harm reduction strategies, and psychosocial interventions.

The course also examines the significant impact of stigma on access to care and recovery outcomes. By understanding SUD as a treatable disease, clinicians will be better equipped to provide effective and compassionate care. This activity fulfills CE/CME credit requirements for addiction education, pain management, controlled substance prescribing, and substance use disorder training for physicians, physician assistants, and nurses in more than 30 states.

Educational Objectives

• Recognize substance use disorder (SUD) as a chronic medical condition with a biological and behavioral foundation.
• Identify evidence-based treatment strategies, including medications for addiction treatment (MAT) and harm reduction tools.
• Describe the impact of stigma on patient engagement and access to care for people with SUD.

Who Should Take This Course

This course is recommended for:

• Physicians, Nurses, and Physician Assistants in states where education in addiction, controlled substances, or pain management is required.
• Clinicians in emergency medicine, primary care, behavioral health, or addiction treatment settings.
• Providers looking to meet requirements in Controlled Substance Prescribing, Pain Management, Substance Use Disorder, or Addiction Education.
• Healthcare professionals seeking foundational training in identifying, treating, and supporting patients with SUD.

Did You Know?

• More than 20 million Americans suffer from a substance use disorder. [SAMHSA, 2022]
• Only 1 in 10 people with a SUD receive treatment. [National Institute on Drug Abuse, 2021]
• Stigma is a major barrier to seeking and receiving care for addiction. [Health Affairs, 2020]
• Harm reduction approaches, such as naloxone distribution and syringe access programs, reduce overdose deaths and disease transmission.
• Medications for addiction treatment (MAT) have been proven to reduce relapse and improve long-term recovery outcomes. [NEJM, 2016]