Illicit Opioids: what you need to know

As the opioid epidemic continues to claim lives and devastate families across the nation and world, we recognize September 21, 2023 as opioid awareness day.  Opioids are analgesics with high potential for abuse because they also produce a sense of relaxation and euphoria.  In this presentation, the effects of opioids on the body will be discussed from the time of first exposure to addiction and overdose.  Consequences of misuse such as addiction, disease and exposure of children will be presented, as well as tips to help detect abuse, recognize overdose and to provide life-saving treatment.  The potencies of fentanyl, synthetic opioids and counterfeit pharmaceutical tablets will be presented in conjunction with case studies involving fentanyl overdose.  Options for drug treatment, drug screening at home and recommendations for testing in the laboratory and the outpatient clinic will be included in this presentation.

 

Learning Objectives