Introduction to Substance Use Disorder Treatment and Medication Efficacy: A City of St. Louis Department of Health Course
This course examines evidence-based treatments for substance use disorders, with a focus on the critical role of FDA-approved medications in improving health outcomes. The course also examines the heightened risk of overdose, particularly among justice-involved individuals, and underscores why the reentry period following incarceration represents a critical window for intervention and overdose prevention.
Participants will gain a foundational understanding of medications for opioid use disorder, including the differences between the three primary medications (methadone, buprenorphine, and naltrexone). The course explores how these medications work and how they can be integrated into a comprehensive, multimodal approach to care. In addition, participants will learn how addressing the biological, psychological, and social dimensions contributes to long-term recovery and improved public health and safety outcomes.
- Identify the risk of opioid overdose among individuals involved with the criminal justice system, particularly during reentry.
- Describe the components of substance use disorder treatment and the importance of individualized, long-term care plans.
- Explain the differences between FDA-approved medications for opioid use disorder.
- Understand the biological, psychological, and social factors contributing to addiction and how effective treatment models address each domain.
- Evaluate the role of medication for addiction treatment (MAT) in reducing overdose deaths, improving treatment outcomes, and supporting public health and reentry success.
This course is open to all community members and professionals who are interested in learning more about substance use disorders and medication for opioid use disorder.
Addiction Policy Forum & City of St. Louis Department of Health. (2026). Introduction to Substance Use Disorder Treatment and Medication Efficacy: A City of St. Louis Department of Health Course. Justice Community Overdose Innovation Network Coordination and Translation Center. https://www.jcoinctc.org/courses/stlouisdoh_course-understanding-overdose-risk-and-medication-efficacy/
