Chapter 33- Substance-Related Disorders

Description:
IMPORTANT NOTE – PLEASE READ FIRST: This continuing education assessment requires that you first purchase the text book: Pharmacotherapy Principles & Practice. Please go to our home page: http://www.rxugace.com/ and click on “Books” for more information Prior To Registering for this assessment.

Upon completion of the corresponding textbook chapter in Pharmacotherapy Principles & Practice and this on-line assessment, the reader should be able to:

1. Identify the extent of abuse of and dependence on commonly used drugs in different segments of the U.S. population.
2. Explain the commonalities of action of abused substances on the reward system in the brain.
3. Identify the typical signs and symptoms of intoxication associated with the use of alcohol, opioids, cocaine/amphetamines, and cannabis, and determine the appropriate treatment measures to produce a desired outcome following episodes of intoxication.
4. Determine when a patient meets criteria for substance dependence.
5. Describe the different approaches to treating drug withdrawal, and identify the circumstances in which each of these different approaches would be most appropriate.
6. Recognize when long-term maintenance therapy is indicated for an opioid addict, and describe how to choose and initiate a maintenance regimen.
7. Determine which nonpharmacologic therapies should be used, either alone or in combination with pharmacologic treatments, to foster a recovery from addiction.
8. Recommend a comprehensive treatment and monitoring program to establish lifestyle changes that help maintain sobriety and prevent relapse.

Courses Offered