Course Description:

This course is a recording of a previously hosted live webinar event. Polling and question submission features are not available for this recording. Format and structure may differ from standard MedBridge courses. There is a growing body of evidence revealing the dangers of opioid medication as well as the questionable effectiveness of these same agents in managing chronic pain. Their once unquestionable ability to effectively manage severe pain is now being challenged, and new insights suggest they may not be the panacea they were once thought to be for managing pain. The adverse and downstream side effects are far reaching and extensive. The opioid epidemic reflects an inability to effectively manage pain. This course provides a background on societal, regulatory, and cultural pathways that led to the opioid epidemic, and how clinicians can get involved to be a part of the solution.