Course

Opioid Use, Impact and Treatment - April 16 - May 7, 2019

Ended May 7, 2019
12 credits

Full course description

Opioids are a highly addictive class of drugs including the illicit substances such as heroin and fentanyl as well as powerful pain relievers, such as oxycodone, hydrocodone, codeine, morphine, and many others. The nation has been facing an increasing number of opioid-related overdose deaths. As a result, child welfare social workers across the U.S. have experienced a high increase of their caseloads and a multitude if issues related to the epidemic.

This course will discuss opioid addiction in terms of a medical disorder that affects a brain and changes behavior. We will challenge the notion of being a person with addiction as a moral choice. We will engage participants in a conversation about the specific needs of families and children impacted by the epidemic. And finally, we will discuss evidence-based treatment options and medications available to support recovery.