Opioid Use, Misuse& Dependency

Opioids, both legal (e.g. oxycodone, hydrocodone) and illegal (e.g. heroin, illicitly manufactured synthetic opioids), are drugs that reduce the body`s perception of pain and can result in euphoria. Opioid use disorder is increasing at alarming rates for both men and women in North America. The focus of this course is on the Canadian context. Topics to be covered include pain and pain management, biological pathways to substance use disorders, social pathways to substance use disorders, myths and facts about opioids, overdose awareness and prevention (e.g. naloxone administration, changing response to crisis and community access to naloxone and its implications), concurrent mental health disorders, public health impacts, treatment options, and harm reduction.