Opioids for Pain: Understanding and Mitigating Risks
Opioids for Pain: Understanding and Mitigating Risks is organized by Providers Clinical Support System (PCSS).
Expiration Date: Jan 12, 2026
Description:
Curriculum overview:
While healthcare professionals are often on the front lines of treating substance use disorders, most have limited (if any) training in this area. The SUD 101 Core Curriculum was created to provide a foundation of the current research, resources, and support needed to increase healthcare professionals’ competence and confidence in the care of their patients across the continuum of care. This activity, Opioids for Pain: Understanding and Mitigating Risks, is part of the 23-module curriculum. Please see below for a summary of module 11 out of 23:
Module Description:
Opioids are commonly prescribed for chronic pain but are also associated with a risk for serious harm including overdose and opioid use disorder. This module reviews risk factors for opioid misuse, opioid use disorder, and overdose in patients with chronic pain, explains methods for screening and assessing for problematic opioid use, reviews methods for mitigating risks associated with prescribed opioids, and details non-opioid treatment approaches for pain. The module is based on principles in the Center for Disease Control and Prevention’s guideline on opioids for chronic pain and reviews recent evidence on the benefits and harms of opioids.
Educational Objectives:
• Recognize risk factors for opioid misuse, opioid use disorder (OUD), and overdose in patients with chronic pain
• Review methods for screening and assessment for problematic opioid use
• Discuss methods for monitoring and evaluating patients prescribed opioids for chronic pain to mitigate risks
• Summarize non-opioid treatment approaches for chronic pain
• Describe opioid taper strategies and risks