CEUs For Nurses in Drug Abuse

CEUs for nurses in drug abuse and substance abuse include courses on prescription drug misuse, opioid diversion, and HIV/AIDS. Many of these courses are mandatory for nurses in certain states, while others cover the etiology, transmission, and prevention of HIV/AIDS. Mental health crisis care, from short-term interventions to emergency management of life-threatening situations, also counts toward the CEU requirement. This article explains how nurses can earn these credits.

Many nursing organizations offer free CEU courses to their members. For example, the AANP CE Center offers many activities that meet the requirements of the American Association of Nurse Practitioners. Many of these activities are constantly being updated to reflect new information, and most of them are available for members at a significantly discounted rate. Substance abuse disorder-related CEUs are particularly popular among nurses. The Journal of the American Association of Nurse Practitioners sponsors several different activities to help nurses earn their Nursing CEUs.

Continuing education units are required of all registered nurses. While many of these courses must be attended in person, others can be completed online. Free CEUs in substance abuse are available from various organizations and businesses. The National Institute on Drug Abuse’s course on substance use in adolescents is particularly beneficial. The course includes video lectures and supplemental resources on the topics of prescription medication misuse, clinical assessments, and follow-up practices. It takes about four hours to complete the course and earns 0.1 CEUs.

CEUs For Nurses in Drug Abuse and Substance Abuse

The University of Missouri-Kansas City offers an online continuing education course that provides 3.5 contact hours in substance abuse. The course includes interactive activities, quizzes, and case scenarios that apply to substance abuse treatment. The course emphasizes the principles of SBIRT (screening, brief intervention, referral to treatment) and substance abuse. To enroll in this course, you must register for a free account and complete all requirements.

Substance abuse has many implications for health care. It can cause significant impairment in major role obligations, resulting in interpersonal problems and physical hazards. Substance abuse can cause a range of serious health consequences, affecting family and friends. Although the symptoms of these disorders vary, the key diagnostic criteria are the same. If you suspect a loved one or colleague of substance abuse, you should seek follow-up. For example, a friend or family member of the patient may have mentioned their concern.

The DSM-5 recognizes two major groups of substances and chemicals that are associated with an increased risk of abuse. These groups are characterized by the physiologic, cognitive, and behavioral symptoms of the substance. Some of the substances are legal, while others are not. Ultimately, these substances are responsible for a staggering 75 percent of health care costs. They are detrimental to the health of the community, especially the health of the individuals involved.