CARE OF THE PATIENT WITH A HISTORY OF DRUG OR ALCOHOL ABUSE

Course overview

This course equips participants with the essential skills to provide comprehensive, ethical, and patient-centered care to individuals with a history of drug or alcohol abuse. Participants will explore the pathophysiology of addiction, identify risk factors and behavioral indicators, and utilize validated screening tools to support accurate assessment. Emphasis is placed on recognizing the clinical manifestations of substance use disorders (SUDs), including withdrawal symptoms and co-occurring mental health issues, in various healthcare settings, participants will also gain an understanding of the legal and ethical responsibilities related to patient confidentiality, mandatory reporting, and harm reduction strategies. Through a blend of clinical scenarios, best-practice models, and guidance, this course fosters the development of safe and collaborative care plans. Participants will learn how to work effectively with interdisciplinary teams, refer to community resources, and implement relapse prevention strategies. Communication techniques that promote patient trust and reduce stigma will be covered, along with methods for managing challenging interactions. By the end of the course, participants will be prepared to deliver compassionate, culturally competent care to patients navigating recovery from substance use disorders.