Course Description

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Opioid use disorders sharply increased during the early 21st century, contributing to the growing public health crisis referred to as the U.S. Opioid Epidemic. Originally designed for medical use, fentanyl, a synthetic opioid, largely contributes to the number of opioid-related deaths in the U.S. and is now a major part of the illicit drug market. Because fentanyl was originally produced for analgesic and anesthetic purposes, it has a very high potency, which poses a higher risk for overdose. Individuals who develop fentanyl dependencies and addictions can seek treatment through behavioral therapies and counseling or addition medications designed for opioid dependencies.  

 Course Objectives:

1. To understand the development of the U.S. Opioid Epidemic 
2. To describe the history, physical forms, mechanism of action, and adverse effects of fentanyl
3. Recognize the biological effects of fentanyl on the human body
4. Identify risk factors for Opioid Use Disorders
5. Consider the benefits of behavioral therapies and medicine-assisted treatment options for Opioid Use Disorders
6. Learn about the medical conditions for which fentanyl may be legally prescribed by a physician
7. Define fentanyl according to the Controlled Substances Act of 1970