The Rehab Professional’s Role in Preventing and Recognizing Opioid Abuse in Athletes

Course Description

Opioid abuse is one of the leading causes of death and non-accidental trauma among adults in the United States. The economic burden, including healthcare costs, addiction treatment, lost productivity, and criminal involvement of prescription opioid misuse, in the United States was $78.5 billion in 2019. Healthcare providers need to be cognizant of the various community stakeholders to recognize opioid abuse and recognize potential abuse. Athletic trainers and healthcare professionals can promote safe opioid use and prevent abuse by assisting and helping patients manage associated pain related to their injuries, which is critical to the well-being of student-athletes. The instructor will provide an overarching review of the literature as it pertains to prescription opioid use to allow the participant to recognize the risks and signs of opioid abuse, addiction, and diversion.

Course Objectives

At the end of this course, the participant will be able to:

• Identify the signs and symptoms of opioid abuse
• Analyze the risk factors associated with opioid abuse and addiction
• Confirm key stakeholders needing to be involved in recognition of abuse and creation of diversion plan
• Construct a plan to encourage diversion of opioid addiction in student-athletes

• Prerequisites

  None

• Educational Level

  Intermediate

• Other

  Satisfactory completion of this course will require the participant to complete a 10 question post-test with a minimum passing score of 70%.