How To Taper Patients Off Of Chronic Opioid Therapy from edX

This activity will enable health care providers to recognize when risks of chronic opioid therapy outweigh benefits, and how to safely and compassionately taper patients down or off of chronic opioid therapy (including the use of buprenorphine to make this transition). A real life patient case scenario will be used to illustrate these principles in practice, including what to say to patients to communicate risks and provide support through the difficult period of withdrawal. When to refer for addiction treatment will also be discussed.

Accreditation

In support of improving patient care, Stanford Medicine is jointly accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME), the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE), and the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC), to provide continuing education for the healthcare team. ****

Credit Designation
American Medical Association (AMA)

The Stanford University School of Medicine designates this enduring material for a maximum of 1.25 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™. Physicians should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.

If you would like to earn CME credit from Stanford University School of Medicine for participating in this course, please review the information here prior to beginning the activity.

What you'll learn

Recognize when risks of chronic opioid therapy outweigh benefits and effectively communicate this information to patients.
Employ language to prepare patients in advance for the opioid taper, and to provide emotional support in the midst of withdrawal.
Integrate the key features of a successful outpatient taper off of chronic opioid therapy: go slowly, take breaks, never go backwards.
Distinguish the signs and symptoms of opioid use disorder (addiction), and intervene with compassion when, in the process of a taper, an opioid use disorder comes to light.
Counsel patients on non-opioid alternatives to chronic pain

What's inside

Learning objectives

Recognize when risks of chronic opioid therapy outweigh benefits and effectively communicate this information to patients.
Employ language to prepare patients in advance for the opioid taper, and to provide emotional support in the midst of withdrawal.
Integrate the key features of a successful outpatient taper off of chronic opioid therapy: go slowly, take breaks, never go backwards.

Distinguish the signs and symptoms of opioid use disorder (addiction), and intervene with compassion when, in the process of a taper, an opioid use disorder comes to light.
Counsel patients on non-opioid alternatives to chronic pain

Recognize when risks of chronic opioid therapy outweigh benefits and effectively communicate this information to patients.
Employ language to prepare patients in advance for the opioid taper, and to provide emotional support in the midst of withdrawal.
Integrate the key features of a successful outpatient taper off of chronic opioid therapy: go slowly, take breaks, never go backwards.
Distinguish the signs and symptoms of opioid use disorder (addiction), and intervene with compassion when, in the process of a taper, an opioid use disorder comes to light.
Counsel patients on non-opioid alternatives to chronic pain

Traffic lights

Read about what's good

what should give you pause

and possible dealbreakers

Examines an effective outpatient taper off of chronic opioid therapy, following key features such as proceeding slowly and never going backwards

Explores addiction as a potential byproduct of long-term opioid use and how to approach such revelations with compassion

Taught by instructors with distinguished backgrounds in healthcare and published research, ensuring reliable and up-to-date information

Strengthens existing foundation for healthcare providers looking to enhance their strategies toward chronic opioid therapy

Emphasizes practical application of the concepts through real-life patient case scenarios

Requires prerequisite knowledge and experience in healthcare, limiting accessibility for those new to the field

Reviews summary

Opioid tapering: compassionate, practical guidance

According to learners, this course provides practical, actionable strategies for healthcare providers to safely and compassionately taper patients off chronic opioid therapy. Students frequently highlight the excellent communication techniques for difficult conversations and managing withdrawal, finding the language provided particularly valuable. The course is noted for its clear, concise, and well-organized content, often described as a must-have for primary care clinicians. While largely praised for its foundational approach, some learners suggest it may be less in-depth for very advanced practitioners already experienced in addiction medicine.

Highly beneficial for less experienced practitioners.

"Good foundation, but felt a little basic for someone with existing experience in addiction medicine. The communication tips were solid, but much of the tapering advice was standard."

"While comprehensive for its length, I wished for a bit more on managing very complex or high-dose patients, perhaps more advanced case studies."

"I found it to be a great refresher and very helpful for those newer to opioid management, though it might not challenge highly experienced clinicians."

Knowledgeable and engaging presentation.

"Fantastic course! The instructor was knowledgeable and engaging."

"The instructor clearly has deep expertise and a compassionate approach, which came through in the lectures."

"I appreciated the clear and confident delivery of the complex material by the instructor."

Presents complex information clearly and efficiently.

"Excellent, concise overview of how to compassionately and safely taper chronic opioid patients."

"Solid and informative. It's a quick course, but packed with essential info."

"The course is well-organized and the material is presented clearly, making it easy to absorb."

Offers vital language for patient discussions.

"The communication strategies were particularly valuable, providing clear language to use with patients experiencing withdrawal."

"I feel much more confident in initiating and managing opioid tapers with my patients after this course. The focus on compassionate communication makes all the difference."

"It provided me with excellent language to prepare patients for the taper and support them through withdrawal, which is invaluable."

Delivers actionable strategies for immediate use.

"This course is a must for primary care. It gives actionable steps and emphasizes empathy, which is crucial."

"Very practical course, especially the real-life patient scenarios. I appreciated the focus on buprenorphine as a tool."

"The content was highly relevant to my practice, offering practical tools to implement immediately."

Some suggestions for supplementary materials.

"Could have used more resources for specific patient handout materials."

"My only minor critique is that some of the video quality was inconsistent in the older modules, but the information was sound. (Note: this issue seems resolved in more recent reviews)."

"It would be even better with additional links to patient-facing resources or interactive case studies."

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 How To Taper Patients Off Of Chronic Opioid Therapy with these activities:

Review 'Dope Sick' by Beth Macy

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This non-fiction book provides a comprehensive overview of the opioid epidemic and will help you understand the history of opioid addiction and its impact on individuals and society.

View Raising Lazarus: Hope, Justice, and the Future... on Amazon

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Read the book.
Take notes and highlight important passages.
Write a synopsis of the book's main arguments.

Organize and review your course materials

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Organizing and reviewing your course materials will help you to identify areas where you need additional support and ensure that you are prepared for the course.

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Gather all of your course materials.
Review the materials and identify any areas where you need additional support.

Participate in a peer discussion on the ethical challenges of opioid prescribing

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Engaging in peer discussions will allow you to share and learn from the experiences of others and develop your own perspectives on the ethical challenges of opioid prescribing.

Browse courses on Opioid Prescribing

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Find a peer discussion group or forum.
Participate in discussions and share your perspectives.
Listen to and consider the perspectives of others.

Three other activities

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Show all six activities

Develop a patient education handout on opioid tapering

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Creating a patient education handout will require you to synthesize the key concepts of opioid tapering and present them in a clear and concise manner.

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Gather information from reputable sources.
Organize the information into a logical structure.
Write the handout using clear and concise language.
Review the handout with a colleague or mentor.

Volunteer at a local addiction treatment center

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Volunteering at an addiction treatment center will provide you with firsthand experience and insights into the challenges and rewards of working with patients with opioid use disorder.

Browse courses on Addiction Treatment

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Find a local addiction treatment center that accepts volunteers.
Complete the necessary training and background checks.
Volunteer on a regular basis.
Reflect on your experiences and share them with your classmates.

Develop a plan for implementing the CDC guidelines for opioid prescribing in your practice

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Developing an implementation plan will help you to translate the CDC guidelines into practical steps that you can take in your own practice.

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Review the CDC guidelines.
Identify the areas in your practice that need to be changed.
Develop a step-by-step plan for making the changes.
Implement the plan and monitor your progress.

Career center

Learners who complete How To Taper Patients Off Of Chronic Opioid Therapy will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Addiction Counselor

Addiction Counselors provide support and guidance to people with substance abuse issues and addictions. They may also work with family members and friends of those affected by addiction. This course can help Addiction Counselors to gain the knowledge and skills needed to effectively help patients taper off of chronic opioid therapy, which is a common issue among people with substance abuse issues. The course covers the risks and benefits of chronic opioid therapy, how to taper patients off of opioids, and how to provide emotional support during the withdrawal process.

See salaries and explore the career path for Addiction Counselor

Addiction Medicine Physician

Addiction Medicine Physicians specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of substance use disorders, including opioid addiction. They may work in a variety of settings, such as hospitals, clinics, or private practices. This course can help Addiction Medicine Physicians to develop the skills needed to safely and effectively taper patients off of chronic opioid therapy. The course covers the risks and benefits of chronic opioid therapy, how to taper patients off of opioids, and how to manage the withdrawal process.

See salaries and explore the career path for Addiction Medicine Physician

Case Manager

Case Managers work with individuals who have complex needs, such as those struggling with substance abuse or chronic pain. They may provide support and guidance, connect individuals to resources, and advocate for their needs. This course can help Case Managers to gain the knowledge and skills needed to effectively support individuals who are tapering off of chronic opioid therapy. The course covers the risks and benefits of chronic opioid therapy, how to taper patients off of opioids, and how to provide emotional support during the withdrawal process.

See salaries and explore the career path for Case Manager

Clinical Pharmacist

Clinical Pharmacists work in a variety of settings, including hospitals, clinics, and pharmacies. They provide medication therapy management, patient education, and other services to patients. This course can help Clinical Pharmacists to gain the knowledge and skills needed to safely and effectively taper patients off of chronic opioid therapy. The course covers the risks and benefits of chronic opioid therapy, how to taper patients off of opioids, and how to manage the withdrawal process.

See salaries and explore the career path for Clinical Pharmacist

Family Therapist

Family Therapists work with families to address a variety of issues, including substance abuse and addiction. They may provide support and guidance to family members, help them to develop coping mechanisms, and improve communication. This course can help Family Therapists to gain the knowledge and skills needed to effectively support families of individuals who are tapering off of chronic opioid therapy. The course covers the risks and benefits of chronic opioid therapy, how to taper patients off of opioids, and how to provide emotional support during the withdrawal process.

See salaries and explore the career path for Family Therapist

Mental Health Counselor

Mental Health Counselors provide support and guidance to people with mental health conditions, including substance abuse and addiction. They may work in a variety of settings, such as hospitals, clinics, or private practices. This course can help Mental Health Counselors to gain the knowledge and skills needed to effectively help patients taper off of chronic opioid therapy. The course covers the risks and benefits of chronic opioid therapy, how to taper patients off of opioids, and how to provide emotional support during the withdrawal process.

See salaries and explore the career path for Mental Health Counselor

Nurse Practitioner

Nurse Practitioners provide primary care to patients, including those with substance abuse or chronic pain. They may work in a variety of settings, such as hospitals, clinics, or private practices. This course can help Nurse Practitioners to gain the knowledge and skills needed to safely and effectively taper patients off of chronic opioid therapy. The course covers the risks and benefits of chronic opioid therapy, how to taper patients off of opioids, and how to manage the withdrawal process.

See salaries and explore the career path for Nurse Practitioner

Occupational Therapist

Occupational Therapists work with people to improve their ability to perform everyday activities. They may help people to develop coping mechanisms, manage pain, and improve their quality of life. This course can help Occupational Therapists to gain the knowledge and skills needed to effectively support individuals who are tapering off of chronic opioid therapy. The course covers the risks and benefits of chronic opioid therapy, how to taper patients off of opioids, and how to provide emotional support during the withdrawal process.

See salaries and explore the career path for Occupational Therapist

Pain Management Specialist

Pain Management Specialists are physicians who specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of pain. They may work in a variety of settings, such as hospitals, clinics, or private practices. This course can help Pain Management Specialists to gain the knowledge and skills needed to safely and effectively taper patients off of chronic opioid therapy. The course covers the risks and benefits of chronic opioid therapy, how to taper patients off of opioids, and how to manage the withdrawal process.

See salaries and explore the career path for Pain Management Specialist

Pharmacist

Pharmacists dispense medications and provide patient education. They may work in a variety of settings, such as hospitals, clinics, or pharmacies. This course can help Pharmacists to gain the knowledge and skills needed to safely and effectively taper patients off of chronic opioid therapy. The course covers the risks and benefits of chronic opioid therapy, how to taper patients off of opioids, and how to manage the withdrawal process.

See salaries and explore the career path for Pharmacist

Physical Therapist

Physical Therapists work with people to improve their movement and function. They may help people to develop coping mechanisms, manage pain, and improve their quality of life. This course can help Physical Therapists to gain the knowledge and skills needed to effectively support individuals who are tapering off of chronic opioid therapy. The course covers the risks and benefits of chronic opioid therapy, how to taper patients off of opioids, and how to provide emotional support during the withdrawal process.

See salaries and explore the career path for Physical Therapist

Physician Assistant

Physician Assistants provide primary care to patients, including those with substance abuse or chronic pain. They may work in a variety of settings, such as hospitals, clinics, or private practices. This course can help Physician Assistants to gain the knowledge and skills needed to safely and effectively taper patients off of chronic opioid therapy. The course covers the risks and benefits of chronic opioid therapy, how to taper patients off of opioids, and how to manage the withdrawal process.

See salaries and explore the career path for Physician Assistant

Social Worker

Social Workers provide support and guidance to people with a variety of needs, including substance abuse and addiction. They may work in a variety of settings, such as hospitals, clinics, or private practices. This course can help Social Workers to gain the knowledge and skills needed to effectively support individuals who are tapering off of chronic opioid therapy. The course covers the risks and benefits of chronic opioid therapy, how to taper patients off of opioids, and how to provide emotional support during the withdrawal process.

See salaries and explore the career path for Social Worker

Substance Abuse Counselor

Substance Abuse Counselors provide support and guidance to people with substance abuse issues and addictions. They may work in a variety of settings, such as hospitals, clinics, or private practices. This course can help Substance Abuse Counselors to gain the knowledge and skills needed to effectively help patients taper off of chronic opioid therapy. The course covers the risks and benefits of chronic opioid therapy, how to taper patients off of opioids, and how to provide emotional support during the withdrawal process.

See salaries and explore the career path for Substance Abuse Counselor

Registered Nurse

Registered Nurses provide care to patients in a variety of settings, including hospitals, clinics, or private practices. This course can help Registered Nurses to gain the knowledge and skills needed to safely and effectively taper patients off of chronic opioid therapy. The course covers the risks and benefits of chronic opioid therapy, how to taper patients off of opioids, and how to manage the withdrawal process.

See salaries and explore the career path for Registered Nurse