The OUD Paradigm Shift

Course overview

020-0000-25-197-H08-P / 0202-0000-25-197-L08-P The goal of this activity is to expand upon topics in pain and substance use disorder management and enhance pharmacists understanding not only of the disease state, but on how to improve care through stigma-free conversation. Evidence has demonstrated progress as 2024 data has shown a decrease in overdose deaths involving opioids for the first time in years. This is due in part to increased access to life-saving opioid antagonists and pharmacists across the country are ensuring that patients in need of these medications are able to obtain them. Stigma remains a barrier that will need to be overcome to fully win the fight against opioids. This webinar will feature an addiction specialist who will review the neurobiology of addiction for a greater understanding of opioid use disorder (OUD) as a disease, remind pharmacists about available treatment options, and a pharmacist in recovery who will discuss how stigma plays a role and strategies to reduce stigma in conversations with patients and providers.