DOUBLE SESSION

Recognizing and Responding to Intoxication and Withdrawal

Intoxication and withdrawal present potential life-threatening consequences. It is imperative that correctional health professionals are trained to recognize the symptoms of intoxication and withdrawal to ensure that proper interventions are implemented promptly. This talk will discuss common symptoms associated with various drug types, the negative outcomes that can occur when these symptoms are left unchecked, and management of patients with intoxication or withdrawal symptoms.

Educational Objectives

• Review the risks associated with untreated symptoms of intoxication and withdrawal
• Describe how to properly screen individuals for symptoms of intoxication with and withdrawal from various substances of abuse
• Discuss how to manage common medical complications associated with detoxification

Level:Intermediate

Managing Withdrawal and Complex Opioid Use Disorder

With the ongoing toxic drug supply crisis, British Columbian jails and prisons are seeing escalating numbers of overdose events and complicated withdrawal syndromes. Health care providers working in correctional settings face increased challenges to provide safe withdrawal management and medication-assisted treatment for substance use disorders. This session will address assessment and treatment options for managing complicated withdrawal and opioid use disorder.

Educational Objectives

• Review the current range of opioid agonist therapies used in Canadian correctional facilities
• Describe efficacious approaches to manage withdrawal syndromes in carceral settings
• Discuss challenges and opportunities for delivering substance use care in jails and prisons

Level:Intermediate