Opioid Epidemic: Evidence-Based Strategies for Public Health

This module reviews data about opioid use disorders in the United States, discussing general trends in opioid overdose and limitations of current data systems.

This module provides an overview of Prescription Drug Monitoring Programs (PDMPs) and how they are used to reduce the supply of prescription opioids likely to be misused.

This module reviews prescribing guidelines as an intervention for reducing high-risk opioid prescribing, including insights into the CDC's Guideline for Prescribing Opioids for Chronic Pain.

This module provides an overview of the role of pharmacy benefit managers and pharmacies in the supply of prescription opioids and opportunities to monitor high-risk prescribing.

This module introduces the idea of redesigning opioid medications and pill vials as a strategy to reduce unintentional opioid poisonings and diversion.

This module reviews strategies for communicating with patients and the public about opioid use disorders, including safe storage and disposal strategies.

This module discusses addiction as a disease and medication as treatment, considering known risk factors for the disease.

This module describes naloxone, a medication that effectively reverses an opioid overdose, and how access to naloxone has increased, including the role of government agencies.

This module provides an overview of harm reduction in the context of opioid use disorders, including examples of harm reduction strategies and available evidence.

This module discusses the stigma surrounding drug use and treatment, providing strategies for combating stigma by offering alternatives to stigmatizing language.