An Introduction to Opioid Use Disorders

At the conclusion of this continuing education activity, the participant will be able to:

• Discuss the increasing prevalence of opioids in drug abuse and drug-related deaths in the United States
• Distinguish the difference between opiates and opioids
• Name examples of natural and synthetic opioids
• Identify the primary factor contributing to the rise of opioid abuse in the United States
• Define opioid abuse and/or dependence as outlined in the DSM-V
• Identify signs of opioid abuse
• Identify signs of opioid overdose
• Discuss opioid withdrawal and identify likely signs of this
• Name the three symptoms’ signs found in the Opioid Overdose Triad
• Discuss the initial treatment of an opioid overdose