In addition to an emphasis on alcohol use disorder — especially the underlying neurobiology and medication intervention — this online CME course explores opioid use disorder, medication treatment options and how best to use them, and at-risk subpopulations. Assessment and Effective Treatment of Alcohol and Substance Abuse Disorders  is psychiatry continuing medical education that takes an in-depth look at:
Nonmedication treatment options, including behavioral strategies and pharmacological interventions
The role of psychotherapy, referral to AA, and SMART Recovery
Helping family members of patients with substance use disorders
Techniques to deal with the unmotivated patient’s denial, ambivalence, and reluctance to change, demonstrating how to motivate, persuade and confront effectively
Assessment and treatment of patients with co-occurring disorders such as trauma
Learning Objectives
Upon completion of this activity, participants will be better able to:
Evaluate indications for and use of common substance use disorder medications
Develop helpful strategies for family members of those with substance use disorders
Determine options for abstinence vs. cutting down
Distinguish substance-induced disorders vs. independent psychiatric illness
Refer patients knowledgeably to mutual-help groups such as AA or SMART Recovery
Evaluate key properties of the common drugs of abuse
Practice techniques to deal with denial, ambivalence, and reluctance to change
Demonstrate how to motivate, persuade and confront effectively
Develop helpful strategies for patients who want to cut down but who you think should abstain
Target Audience
This educational activity was designed for health professionals in the fields of psychiatry, psychology, nursing, social work, counseling, medicine, pediatrics and surgery.
All lectures by Mark Albanese, MD
Introduction and Assessment: Focus on Multidimensional Assessment of Patients with Substance Use Disorder
Treatment of Substance Use Disorders: Focus on Medications, Part 1
Treatment of Substance Use Disorders: Medications, Part 2, and Non-Medication Approaches
Co-Occurring Disorders: Implications, Assessment, and Treatment
Opioid Use Disorder: Assessment, Treatment, and Special Considerations
Date of Original Release December 31, 2021
Termination Date: January 31, 2024
