Substance Use Disorder Residency Curriculum

Event Date

A collaboration between ACEP, ABEM, CORD, and EMRA has led to the development of a curriculum for emergency medicine residency programs. This curriculum aims to teach residents about SUD disease processes and evidence-based treatment options, reduce stigma, and empower emergency physicians to actively engage patients in treatment.

The learning objectives for the Substance Use Disorder SUD Curriculum with the focus on Emergency Medicine (EM) and EM Residents were identified using the objectives from the comprehensive SUD curriculum for Medical Professionals and conducting a two-part modified Delphi to prioritize and focus objectives pertinent to and relevant for EM. 

The curriculum is comprised of approximately 20-minute modules covering: Introduction to Opioids, Treatment and Management of Opioid Use Disorder, Alcohol and Benzodiazepines, Tobacco, Cannabis and Vaping, Stimulants, and Special Populations.

Curriculum:

Pre/Post Test Question Download

Funding disclaimer: Funding for this initiative was made possible (in part) by grant no. 1H79FG000021-01from SAMHSA. The views expressed in written conference materials or publications and by speakers and moderators do not necessarily reflect the official policies of the Department of Health and Human Services; nor does mention of trade names, commercial practices, or organizations imply endorsement by the U.S. Government.

Introduction

Module 1 about 20 min

Topics covered (4)
  • Describe the epidemiology and public health impact of substance use disorders.
  • Explain the neurobiology of addiction.
  • Address stigma as a barrier to treatment.
  • Discuss screening and intervention efforts that can be started in the emergency department.

Introduction to Opioids and Opioid Use Disorder

Module 2 about 20 min

Topics covered (3)
  • Describe the opioid epidemic.
  • Explain opioid use disorder (OUD).
  • Discuss medications for the treatment of OUD.

Treatment of Opioid Withdrawal Syndrome and Opioid Use Disorder

Module 3 about 20 min

Topics covered (4)
  • Compare abstinence therapy and opioid substitution treatment for opioid addiction.
  • Describe the unique pharmacological characteristics of buprenorphine that make it advantageous as an opioid substitution treatment for opioid addiction.
  • Explain the key elements in identifying appropriate candidates for ED-initiated buprenorphine.
  • Explain how to initiate buprenorphine in the ED.

Treatment and Management of Opioid Use Disorder

Module 4 about 20 min

Topics covered (6)
  • Discuss overdose management.
  • Discuss naloxone titration.
  • Describe complications of OUD (including IVDU).
  • Explain harm reduction.
  • Discuss prevention (judicious opioid practices, non-opioids).
  • Explain pain management of MAT/OUD.

Alcohol and Benzodiazepines: Unhealthy Use and Use Disorders

Module 5 about 20 min

Topics covered (5)
  • Explain the scope of the problem with unhealthy drinking and alcohol use disorder (AUD).
  • Identify AUD and assess patients for AUD.
  • Describe prevention of and treatment interventions for AUD.
  • Discuss alcohol and benzodiazepine withdrawal, including clinical features, timeline, and treatment.
  • List medications for AUD.

Tobacco, Cannabis, and Vaping

Module 6 about 20 min

Topics covered (6)
  • Review the scope and impact of tobacco use among patients presenting to the ED.
  • Review studies analyzing tobacco dependence treatment and intervention in ED patients.
  • Describe types and forms of cannabis.
  • Describe the biochemistry and pharmacology of cannabis.
  • Describe cannabis toxicity, overdose, and cannabis hyperemesis syndrome and their management.
  • Review EVALI.

Emergency Department Management of Recreational Stimulants

Module 7 about 20 min

Topics covered (3)
  • Describe the initial steps, prior to the administration of medications, in the management of agitated emergency department patients.
  • Select effective agents in the management of acutely agitated patients in the emergency department.
  • List and describe how to manage the most important dangerous causes and effects of agitation.

Special Populations

Module 8 about 20 min

Topics covered (3)
  • Discuss appropriate management of opioid use disorder in adolescents.
  • Describe appropriate management of opioid use disorder during pregnancy.
  • Outline considerations affecting the use of medications for addiction treatment in older patients.