The Opioid Crisis in America from edX

On average, 130 Americans die every day from an overdose of opioids, the class of drugs that includes heroin, hydrocodone, codeine, morphine, and fentanyl. Around 70% of all opioid overdose deaths involved a prescription opioid. Drug overdose is now the leading cause of accidental death in the United States — opioid addiction is driving this epidemic.

In this course, you'll learn about the origins and spread of this epidemic. Our experts will cover the appropriate ways this class of drugs should be used, but we will also explore the impact of opioid misuse on the individual, family, and community. You’ll hear about effective medical treatments for addiction and how to reduce the stigma that exists around addiction. You’ll learn how to help prevent overdose deaths and explore the multiple pathways to recovery.

Join us to confront this epidemic with a broad perspective of the causes, effects, and solutions to the opioid crisis. After learning about harm-reduction approaches and evidence-based interventions to prevent addiction and support recovery, you will be equipped to confront the opioid epidemic.

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This course is available for Continuing Education credit. Enroll in the course to learn more about options for earning credit.

What's inside

Learning objectives

Medical and non-medical use of opioids, including heroin and fentanyl
How to manage pain with and without opioids
The risks and neurological pathways to opioid addiction
That addiction is a disease of the brain, not a lack of will

The multiple ways people can become addicted to opioids
The individual and social impacts of opioid addiction
The latest harm reduction approaches for law enforcement and public health officials
Empathic evidence-based behavioral approaches and medications that health care professionals can offer those struggling with opioid addiction

Medical and non-medical use of opioids, including heroin and fentanyl
How to manage pain with and without opioids
The risks and neurological pathways to opioid addiction
That addiction is a disease of the brain, not a lack of will
The multiple ways people can become addicted to opioids
The individual and social impacts of opioid addiction
The latest harm reduction approaches for law enforcement and public health officials
Empathic evidence-based behavioral approaches and medications that health care professionals can offer those struggling with opioid addiction

Syllabus

How has opioid misuse evolved and spread? Why is this a public health crisis in America?

Are opioids "bad" drugs, or are there appropriate ways to use them?

What counts as misuse and what can happen when you misuse opioids?

How does opioid addiction affect an individual, their family, and the community?

How can opioid overdose be treated and prevented?

How can opioid misuse and addiction be treated?

What does the process of long-term recovery from opioid addiction look like?

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Provides a multifaceted perspective on the opioid crisis, covering causes, effects, and solutions

Taught by experts in the field, including a medical doctor and a social worker, providing diverse perspectives

Offers Continuing Education credit, potentially enhancing professional development opportunities

Covers harm-reduction approaches, evidence-based interventions, and recovery pathways, providing practical knowledge for addressing the crisis

Suitable for individuals seeking to expand their understanding of the opioid epidemic and its impact on individuals, families, and communities

Emphasizes the importance of reducing stigma associated with addiction, fostering empathy and understanding

May require some foundational knowledge of medical terminology and concepts for optimal comprehension

Reviews summary

Informative resource on the opioid crisis

According to students, this course is a highly valuable and motivating resource for medical professionals seeking to understand the opioid crisis in the United States.

Students find the course content to be informative and relevant to medical professionals.

"I have just started the course. It seems that the course as the title says is primarily focused in USA however the information is very valuable and interesting to medical professionals."

"very nice information, its so motivating to me. im glad to inform that i get another level of education after watching this course"

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in The Opioid Crisis in America with these activities:

Review current events about the opioid crisis

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Help you understand the context of the opioid crisis, current challenges, and emerging solutions.

Browse courses on Opioid Crisis

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Set up a Google Alert for opioid crisis news
Subscribe to healthcare newsletters and follow industry thought leaders on social media
Read articles from reputable sources such as the CDC, WHO, and FDA

Read "Dreamland: The True Tale of America's Opiate Epidemic" by Sam Quinones

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Provide you with a comprehensive overview of the opioid crisis in the United States.

View The Least of Us: True Tales of America and Hope... on Amazon

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Purchase or borrow a copy of the book
Set aside dedicated time for reading
Take notes and highlight key passages

Learn how to administer naloxone

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Equip you with a life-saving skill that can help you respond to an opioid overdose.

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Search for certified overdose prevention training in your area
Watch online tutorials on how to administer naloxone

Four other activities

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Join an online support group for individuals affected by the opioid crisis

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Connect you with a network of peers who can provide support, share experiences, and offer encouragement.

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Search for online support groups on platforms such as Reddit and Meetup
Attend virtual meetings and engage with other members

Volunteer at an organization that provides support services to individuals with opioid addiction

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Allow you to gain practical experience, make a meaningful contribution, and deepen your understanding of the opioid crisis.

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Identify organizations in your area that provide support services to individuals with opioid addiction
Contact the organization and inquire about volunteer opportunities
Commit to a regular volunteering schedule

Work through case studies of patients with opioid addiction

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Help you develop your clinical reasoning and treatment planning skills in the context of opioid addiction.

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Access case studies from reputable sources such as medical journals and textbooks
Analyze the case, identify key clinical issues, and develop a treatment plan
Discuss your findings with peers or a mentor

Develop a social media campaign to raise awareness about the opioid crisis

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Provide you with a platform to share your knowledge and engage with others on this important issue.

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Define your target audience and develop a clear message
Create engaging and informative content, such as videos, infographics, and blog posts
Partner with organizations and influencers to amplify your reach
Monitor and evaluate the performance of your campaign

Career center

Learners who complete The Opioid Crisis in America will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Addiction Counselor

As an Addiction Counselor, you will help individuals who are struggling with opioid addiction. This course will provide you with the knowledge and skills needed to understand the medical and non-medical use of opioids, the risks and neurological pathways to opioid addiction, and the latest harm reduction approaches. You will also learn how to provide empathic evidence-based behavioral approaches and medications to those struggling with opioid addiction.

See salaries and explore the career path for Addiction Counselor

Public Health Educator

As a Public Health Educator, you will work to prevent and control opioid misuse and addiction. This course will provide you with the knowledge and skills needed to understand the origins and spread of the opioid epidemic, the impact of opioid misuse on the individual, family, and community, and the latest harm reduction approaches for law enforcement and public health officials.

See salaries and explore the career path for Public Health Educator

Healthcare Administrator

As a Healthcare Administrator, you will be responsible for managing the operations of a healthcare facility or organization. This course will provide you with the knowledge and skills needed to understand the medical and non-medical use of opioids, the risks and neurological pathways to opioid addiction, and the latest harm reduction approaches.

See salaries and explore the career path for Healthcare Administrator

Substance Abuse Counselor

Substance Abuse Counselors help individuals who are struggling with substance abuse, including opioid addiction. This course will provide you with the knowledge and skills needed to understand the medical and non-medical use of opioids, the risks and neurological pathways to opioid addiction, and the latest harm reduction approaches.

See salaries and explore the career path for Substance Abuse Counselor

Policy Analyst

Policy Analysts develop and analyze policies to address social and economic issues. As a Policy Analyst specializing in the opioid epidemic, you will use your knowledge of the origins, spread, and impact of opioid misuse to develop and analyze policies to address this issue.

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Social Worker

Social Workers provide support and counseling to individuals and families who are struggling with a variety of issues, including opioid addiction. This course will provide you with the knowledge and skills needed to understand the medical and non-medical use of opioids, the risks and neurological pathways to opioid addiction, and the latest harm reduction approaches.

See salaries and explore the career path for Social Worker

Healthcare Policy Analyst

Healthcare Policy Analysts analyze healthcare policies and make recommendations for changes. As a Healthcare Policy Analyst specializing in the opioid epidemic, you will use your knowledge of the origins, spread, and impact of opioid misuse to analyze healthcare policies and make recommendations for changes to address this issue.

See salaries and explore the career path for Healthcare Policy Analyst

Health Educator

Health Educators provide education and resources to individuals and communities to promote health and prevent disease. As a Health Educator specializing in the opioid epidemic, you will use your knowledge of the origins, spread, and impact of opioid misuse to develop and deliver educational programs to address this issue.

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Registered Nurse

Registered Nurses provide care to patients in a variety of settings, including hospitals, clinics, and long-term care facilities. As a Registered Nurse working with patients who are struggling with opioid addiction, you will use your knowledge of the medical and non-medical use of opioids, the risks and neurological pathways to opioid addiction, and the latest harm reduction approaches to provide compassionate and effective care.

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Pharmacist

Pharmacists dispense medications and provide counseling to patients on how to use them safely and effectively. As a Pharmacist specializing in the opioid epidemic, you will use your knowledge of the medical and non-medical use of opioids, the risks and neurological pathways to opioid addiction, and the latest harm reduction approaches to provide counseling to patients on how to use opioids safely and effectively.

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Physician

Physicians diagnose and treat medical conditions. As a Physician specializing in the opioid epidemic, you will use your knowledge of the medical and non-medical use of opioids, the risks and neurological pathways to opioid addiction, and the latest harm reduction approaches to diagnose and treat patients who are struggling with opioid addiction.

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Statistician

Statisticians collect, analyze, and interpret data. As a Statistician specializing in the opioid epidemic, you will use your knowledge of the origins, spread, and impact of opioid misuse to collect, analyze, and interpret data on this epidemic.

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Epidemiologist

Epidemiologists investigate the causes and spread of diseases and other health conditions. As an Epidemiologist specializing in the opioid epidemic, you will use your knowledge of the origins, spread, and impact of opioid misuse to investigate the causes and spread of this epidemic.

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Research Scientist

Research Scientists conduct research to advance knowledge in a particular field. As a Research Scientist specializing in the opioid epidemic, you will use your knowledge of the origins, spread, and impact of opioid misuse to conduct research to advance knowledge in this field.

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Health Policy Analyst

Health Policy Analysts analyze health policies and make recommendations for changes. As a Health Policy Analyst specializing in the opioid epidemic, you will use your knowledge of the origins, spread, and impact of opioid misuse to analyze health policies and make recommendations for changes to address this issue.

See salaries and explore the career path for Health Policy Analyst