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.