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ORN Improving Efforts Addressing the Opioid Crisis: Impact Data Review

As communities and organizations mobilize this year to address the opioid, stimulant and overdose crisis, the Opioid Response Network (ORN) is at the ready. ORN has now directly trained over 150,000 individuals to enhance substance use disorder prevention, treatment and recovery efforts.

Data shows that 9 in 10 individuals who participate in ORN trainings plan to make changes to their work based on what they learned. ORN trainings were reported to offer new, valuable information delivered in a manner that made it applicable to the participant's work. The individuals benefiting as a result were shown to be people currently experiencing a substance use disorder (46%), people in remote areas (22%), adolescents (18%), parents/caregivers/families (12%) and uninsured or underinsured people (11%).

To date, ORN has received over 5,000 requests from people looking to enhance their work. This number is rapidly growing as resources expand access to treatment, harm reduction, prevention and recovery services. As these systems expand, so is the workforce. ORN was established by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration to ensure that people and systems responding to the substance use disorder healthcare crisis have evidenced-based and culturally informed information to support their work. It is an effort to help maximize resources. ORN is at your side. Share your needs via the Submit a Request button at OpioidResponseNetwork.org.

Bupropion Overdose and its Potential for Recreational Misuse

Bupropion is a popular atypical antidepressant that is also used as an adjunct for smoking cessation and methamphetamine use disorder. Although illicit substances such as methamphetamine are classically thought of as the mainstay of stimulant use, the stimulatory effect of bupropion may make it appealing for recreational purposes. The American College of Medical Toxicology (ACMT), an ORN partner, has released a report on a case of significant toxicity after bupropion was crushed and snorted by a young individual. Data within the report was obtained through ACMT's ToxIC Core Registry, an instrument to identify novel opioids and psychostimulants encountered by medical toxicologists during patient evaluations. The report is part of an ORN series identifying and reporting on emerging opioid and stimulant exposures. Learn more.

Have you challenged yourself to Stand Against Stigma?

If you haven't already, it's time to Stand Against Stigma in 2023 and change the way we view people with substance use disorders. This ongoing challenge from the network's Justice and Corrections Stakeholders Committee is an opportunity for individuals, communities and organizations, particularly those working in justice/law and healthcare systems, to address and dispel stigma related to individuals with substance use disorders through easy, daily activity. Read more and share across your network: SASChallenge.org.

Upcoming no-cost trainings from ORN can be found here. Follow us on LinkedIn for ORN news in your feed.

Certified Addiction Registered Nurse Exam Review for RNs/NPs

Part One: February 6, 2023 12 - 4 PM ET

Part Two: February 13, 2023 12 - 4 PM ET

Speakers: Judith Austin, MSN, PMHNP-BC, CARN-AP and Vanessa Loukas, MSN, FNP-C, CARN-AP

This exam review course from the Boston Medical Center's Grayken Center for Addiction TTA, an ORN partner organization, is for RNs and NPs working in the addiction field who have an interest in becoming a Certified Addictions Registered Nurse (CARN) or a Certified Addictions Registered Nurse - Advanced Practice (CARN-AP). The course is intended to support nurses studying for the CARN and CARN-AP exam by reviewing material the exam will cover. Learn more.

The Nurse Care Manager Model of Office-Based Addiction Treatment

Date: February 7, 2023 11 AM - 3 PM ET

Speakers: Justin Alves, RN, MSN, ACRN, CARN, CNE; Annie Potter, MSN, MPH, NP, CARN-AP; and Kristin Wason, MSN, NP-C, CARN

This ORN-funded course from the Boston Medical Center's Grayken Center for Addiction TTA will prepare nurses and other key members of the multidisciplinary care team to deliver medication for opioid use disorder such as buprenorphine and naltrexone, using a chronic care management model. Learn more.

Recovery Homes: Potential and Future Challenges

Date: February 15, 2023 12-1 PM ET

Presenter: Leonard Jason, PhD

In this ORN webinar from the Recovery Research Institute Dr. Leonard Jason will discuss the research he has conducted at DePaul University over the past 3 decades on recovery homes, most of which has focused on Oxford Houses. Dr. Jason will suggest that better understanding social networks, and in particular friendship patterns, is a key to unraveling the mechanisms that operate within these settings. This webinar is open to everyone although it may be of particular interest to clinicians. Learn more.

Support for Adults with Active Substance Use Living with or at Risk for HIV: Role of Sobering Centers in the Care of Acute Intoxication

Date: March 3, 2023 12-1 PM ET

Presenter: Shannon Smith-Bernardin, PhD, RN, CDL

This presentation will discuss the utilization of sobering centers in the care of adults with acute alcohol and/or drug intoxication as an alternative to the ED and jail. Focusing on the care delivery model, it will delve into the placement of sobering centers in the care continuum, including the role of these programs in stabilization and recovery, clinical care, harm reduction, policy, economic and community safety. The session, from ORN partner organization the National Alliance for HIV Education and Workforce Development, is part of the Bridging HIV and SUD: Innovations in the Field webinar series. The series is highlighting innovative models and approaches to treating substance use disorder in people at risk for and living with HIV. Learn more.

Funding for this initiative was made possible (in part) by grant no. 1H79TI085588 from SAMHSA. The views expressed in written conference materials or publications and by speakers and moderators do not necessarily reflect the official policies of the Department of Health and Human Services; nor does mention of trade names, commercial practices, or organizations imply endorsement by the U.S. Government.