This 1.5-hour on-demand module is the first of the Essentials Online series. This module will introduce the neurobiology and physiology fundamentals of both pain and addiction. The module will discuss multidimensional models for understanding the causes of pain and addiction, the types of pain and their underlying mechanisms, and the key distinctions between acute and chronic pain. Furthermore, this module identifies protective and risk factors related to the development of addiction and chronic pain and the role of pain as a driver of the opioid crisis. Finally, the module notes key highlights of the clinical guidelines developed by the Centers for Disease Control and the Veterans' Administration for the safe, appropriate use of opioids, as well as relative contraindications to and risks of opioid use.
This module is part of The ASAM Pain & Addiction Essentials, a series of 6 online modules that cover the foundations of pain and addiction including the science, stigma, screening and assessment, treatment, and interdisciplinary approaches. All modules can be taken together as a full 6-hour course or can be taken individually to fill learner knowledge gaps in pain and addiction topics.
Learners looking for more advanced topics in pain and addiction should register for the Applied Skills Workshop (intermediate level) or the Common Threads Course (advanced level), learn more at
https://elearning.asam.org/PainAddictionCourses
The target audience for this module includes: primary care physicians, fellows in training and residents, providers who are new to addiction medicine or are early in their career, and other members of the care team who are looking for introductory topics on pain and addiction.
This session addresses the following ACGME Competencies: Medical Knowledge.
Learning Objectives
Upon completion, learners will be able to:
1. Understand the neurobiology and physiology of addiction and considerations in treatment
2. Understand the neurobiology, physiology, and diagnosis of pain and considerations in treatment
3. Identify protective and risk factors related to the development of addiction and chronic pain
4. Describe the pharmacology of common drugs (including medications used in treatment as well as substances with potential for misuse) and the impact of these drugs on pain and addiction
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