This interactive seminar explores opioid use disorder as a chronic, relapsing disease and examines the physical, psychological, and social factors that influence treatment and recovery. Participants will assume the role of a health care provider, peer navigator, or individual living with OUD. Following a briefing, participants will engage in realistic scenarios designed to highlight barriers to treatment, communication challenges, and the effects of stigma on patient outcomes. The seminar concludes with a facilitated debrief focused on practical strategies for fostering empathy, reducing bias, and supporting recovery-oriented care.

Educational Objectives

• Describe opioid use disorder as a chronic relapsing disease
• Examine how resiliency affects opioid use and recovery
• Analyze the role of stigma in the opioid epidemic

Level: Basic