What is SUDucate?

Azusa Pacific University (APU) received funding from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) to support federal, state, and local level educational training priorities that focus on enhancing the competencies of behavioral health students and professionals in nursing and clinical psychology disciplines in diagnosing, treating, and managing patients with substance use disorders (SUDs) and opioid use disorders (OUDs) in community practice and academic settings.

As part of this effort, the APU team developed an online training platform called “SUDucate” to house the substance use disorder training. The training consists of a series of stand-alone web-based learning modules that include evidence-based practices for addressing substance use and opioid use disorders along practice competency areas approved by SAMHSA, including:

Understanding Substance Use Disorders (SUDs)

Substance Use Epidemiology: Prevalence and impact of SUDs and OUD in the general population. Special focus on vulnerable populations (e.g., BIPOC, adolescents, and justice-involved individuals).
Neurobiology of Addiction: Mechanisms of addiction, including brain reward pathways and the role of neurotransmitters.
Stigma and Bias: Addressing stigma associated with addiction and its impact on care.

Screening and Assessment

Screening Tools: Use of validated instruments (e.g., AUDIT, DAST, COWS) to identify SUD and OUD.
Assessment Techniques: Comprehensive biopsychosocial evaluations and identification of co-occurring mental health or physical health disorders.

Pharmacological Treatment of OUD

FDA-Approved Medications: Pharmacology, indications, contraindications, and side effects of:
- Buprenorphine.
- Methadone.
- Naltrexone.
Medication Management: Initiation, stabilization, and maintenance protocols. Transitioning between OUD medications. Managing withdrawal and tapering protocols.

Patient-Centered Treatment Planning

Integrated Treatment Plans: Developing plans that combine MAT with behavioral therapies.
Care Coordination: Collaborating with other health providers and community resources.
Engaging Patients in Care: Shared decision-making and motivational interviewing techniques.

Managing Special Populations

Pregnant and Postpartum Individuals: Unique considerations for MAT during pregnancy and neonatal opioid withdrawal syndrome.
Adolescents and Transitional-Aged Youth: Tailored approaches for younger populations.
Individuals with Justice Involvement or Housing Insecurity: Addressing barriers to treatment and ensuring continuity of care.

Overdose Prevention and Harm Reduction

Naloxone Use: Educating patients and families on overdose reversal techniques.
Harm Reduction Strategies: Syringe exchange programs and safe use education. Reducing risks associated with polysubstance use.

Behavioral and Psychosocial Interventions

Evidence-Based Therapies: Overview of CBT, DBT, contingency management, and 12-step facilitation.
Trauma-Informed Care: Addressing adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) and co-occurring PTSD.

Regulatory and Ethical Considerations

Legal Compliance: DEA and SAMHSA regulations for prescribing MAT. State-specific laws related to SUD treatment.
Confidentiality and Ethics: HIPAA requirements and 42 CFR Part 2 (confidentiality of SUD records). Ensuring culturally competent and bias-free care.

Monitoring and Ongoing Care

Treatment Monitoring: Assessing adherence, side effects, and progress toward recovery.
Relapse Prevention: Identifying triggers and supporting sustained recovery.
Outcome Measurement: Using data to evaluate treatment effectiveness.

Target audience: SUDucate is designed for students and professionals in multidisciplinary behavioral health disciplines, including healthcare, nursing and psychology.