What you'll learn

  • Outline national priorities for addressing substance use disorders in the United States.

  • Incorporate social determinants of health strategies to more effectively engage with and treat patients/clients.

  • Customize treatments for special populations, including women, adolescents and LGBTQ+ people.

  • Implement appropriate treatment for opioid use disorder.

  • See the course registration page for additional learning objectives.

Course description

Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, it was estimated that 22 million Americans suffered from addiction to alcohol or drugs and approximately 20% of all Americans smoked cigarettes. Early reports suggest these numbers have grown as a result of the pandemic. The surge of opioid addiction and deaths from overdose are a national crisis. The consequences of addiction are numerous; it results in a myriad of health problems, harms and disrupts families and other relationships and can leave individuals isolated, depressed and even suicidal. Addictions can lead to vulnerability to comorbid disorders and comorbid disorders can sometimes lead to addictions, making treatment of either condition particularly complex. Individuals with an addiction often deny the extent of the problem and resist treatment altogether.

Despite all these difficulties, countless Americans confront and overcome their addictions every year, often with the help of healthcare professionals and formal treatment programs. McLean Hospital, the largest psychiatric hospital of Harvard Medical School, is pleased to offer this annual conference bringing together some of the foremost authorities in the addiction field. Topics will include new, evidence-based treatments, the nuances of treating comorbid disorders along with addiction and special populations. We are honored to have a prestigious and accomplished faculty. Smaller, breakout sessions each afternoon will allow for in-depth exploration of topic areas in an interactive and stimulating format that should enhance learning and skill-building. 

This is an accredited, livestreamed course offered by McLean Hospital. This course is targeted to Primary Care and Specialty Physicians, Nurses, Nurse Practitioners, Physician Assistants, Psychologists and Counselors. This course may also be of interest to physicians who practice in Anesthesiology, Emergency Medicine, Family Medicine, Internal Medicine, Lifestyle and Mind-Body Medicine, Pain Medicine, Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Psychiatry, Neurology and Psychology and Mental Health.

Select the Take Course button to view additional information on the course registration page.

Contact ceprograms@hms.harvard.edu with questions.

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Price
$30
Registration Deadline
Available now