Description Narrative:
Rates of both opioid overdose and suicide have been steadily increasing over recent years. They are the two leading causes of injury related death in the country, and combined are the 6th leading cause of death overall. Recently, there has been increased research and awareness about both of these important issues; about how prevalence of unhealthy opioid use and suicidal thoughts and behaviors are in all segments of society, but , also about how the two issues intersect and each increases risk for the other. This highly interactive training explores opioid use and overdose, suicide, and the intersections between the two. The session is designed for Community Health Workers and treatment providers who may have clients who have a problem with opioid use and overdose, recognize risk and protective factors as well as warning signs that may indicate a person is experiencing an overdose, engaging in unhealthy sustance use, or contemplating suicide, as well as ways to identify strategies and tools to assess for risk and discuss possible interventions to prevent suicide, and refer people to appropriate resources for treatment.
Objectives: Upon completion of this training, participants will:
Describe risk and protective factors and warning signs for both opioid overdose and suicide.
Describe how unhealthy opioid use can increase the risk for suicidal thoughts and behaviors and vice versa.
Identify strategies and tools to assess risk for both suicidal thoughts and behaviors and opioid overdose.
Discuss possible interventions to prevent suicide in a person with an opioid use disorder.
Apply new skills to administer Narcan in the event of an opioid overdose.
Sponsored by:
Massachusetts Department of Public Health, Bureau of Substance Addictions Service, & AdCare Educational Institute, Inc.
MA United States
