Opioid Use & Substance Use Disorders - Medication Assisted Treatments (MAT)

This course will focus on Substance Use Disorders, with particular attention to Opioid Use Disorder and evidence-based interventions, including Medication Assisted Treatments (MAT). Fundamental neurobiological, physiological and psychosocial aspects of chemical dependence will be reviewed, with special attention given to Opioid Use Disorder. The pharmacological functions and psychosocial benefits of Medication Assisted Treatments (MAT) will be a focal point of this mini-course.

The complexities, benefits and barriers to implementing integrated health care models for Substance Use Disorders, such as MAT, will be given specialized attention. Social justice issues relating to accessible to health care, gender, race and stigma existent in conjunction with substance use disorders, and most especially, opioid use disorders, will also be central to this course. Overall, this course will cover topics relevant to any health care worker and/or social justice advocate. Students will be given a general introduction to both the interpersonal and physiological aspects of addiction and recovery for substance use disorders, with a focus on Opioid Use Disorder and Medication Assisted Treatments, from a harm reduction perspective.