Recorded CE: 2022 On Demand- The Role of Mental Health in the Opioid Epidemic
The opioid epidemic, increases in suicide rates and mental health issues are clearly related. Individuals with chronic pain tend to have higher rates of mental illness and are frequently prescribed opioids. When physicians cut patients off of their opioid, people often turn to street drugs like heroin to prevent withdrawal. More and more often heroin and other street drugs are laced with fentanyl, worsening the opioid epidemic. There is a common gap in the knowledge that the opioid epidemic and mental health are linked and this presentation is meant to bring attention to that knowledge gap.
Target Audience
This experience and knowledge-based program is intended for Pharmacists.
Learning Objectives
- Discuss the neurobiology of dependence versus addiction-Pharmacists
- Describe current opioid prescribing and overdose trends-Pharmacists
- Discuss the relationship between pain, opioid use, and mental health disorders-Pharmacists
- Outline the appropriate treatment approach for co-occurring mental health and opioid use disorders-Pharmacists
- Describe potential patient outcomes when co-occurring mental health and substance use disorders are not appropriately treated-Pharmacists