Opioid Use Disorder and Addiction in North America

Course overview

The first segment of this course begins with a critical examination of the current wave of the opioid epidemic in America that started with heroin-addicted young soldiers returning home from the Vietnam war. The discussion then moves to the FDA's approval of MS Contin in 1987, Oxycontin in 1995, and concludes with the 20-year consequences of "Pain as the fifth vital sign" becoming routine for the treatment of pain beginning in the year 2000. The second segment examines the demographic breakdown of the opioid epidemic in America from 1990-2020 and describes why patients crave opioids and the corresponding reward pathways in the brain and addiction neurochemistry. The section then continues with a detailed discussion of opioids and their receptors, focusing on how pain relief occurs in the human body. It concludes with a review of the pharmacologic effects and adverse reactions associated with opioids. Segment three begins with a perspective on how amphetamines, barbiturates, benzodiazepines, cocaine, and crystal meth have become additive to, and tied up with America's opioid crisis. It then concludes with a comprehensive look at the prescribed opioids that are common in clinical use today: Hydrocodone (Vicodin), Oxycodone (Percocet and Oxycontin), and Tramadol. The afternoon portion of this course evaluates the emergent isolation and social distancing consequences for patients suffering from opioid addiction and depression because of the COVID-19 Pandemic. It will also discuss the evolving Substance Use Disorder (SUD) and Medication Assisted Therapy (MAT) policy changes that affect all nurses as well as other health care professionals as a result of the COVID-19 Pandemic in America. Discussions will also cover new Opioid Treatment Program Guidance from the Substance Abuse & Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). Of further importance at this crucial time, is the ability for clinicians to understand how opioid abuse Impairs the Immune System and Pulmonary Functions in patients suffering from opioid addiction and depression. These effects can range from impaired cough reflex, hypoxia, aspiration, and sleep deprivation. Additionally, examples will be given as to how opioid addiction increases vulnerability to COVID-19 Pneumonia CNS depression, poor nutrition, and secondary infections. This webinar identifies "red flags" and warning signs to look for in opioid addiction patients, that may begin to regress in their therapy because of the COVID-19 pandemic issues facing all Americans. The course is specifically designed to explain the history, official guidance, and scientific references for physical therapists and other health care professionals that may treat patients with opioid use disorder.