Current Trends in Pharmacology: Heroin and Other Opiates

The WIsconsin Dept. of Justice reports an alarming trend in heroin use in the state. The number of heroin-related cases has expanded in both number and geographic scope.

This workshop is for substance abuse professionals, health and human services providers, educators, and others who need comprehensive information on drugs of abuse. It focuses on heroin and other opiate drugs available on the street.

Learn about the fundamentals of neurotransmission, which are key to understanding all substances of abuse. Understand how opioids affect the brain and the individuals who use them.

We cover terminology, medical use of opioids and treatment options, the short- and long-term effects of opioid use and abuse, signs and symptoms of abuse, signs and symptoms of withdrawal, and the latest fads and trends in opioid use. Where data is available, specific information is addressed regarding pediatric populations, women, and other groups.

BONUS: Upon completion of this course you will receive access to the Learn@UW portal for a presentation by instructor Tom Nelson on factors affecting the use, abuse and treatment of drugs of abuse. The segment supplements information provided at the workshop. Please note, this online learning tool will be available for a limited time and is only available to paid workshop participants.

Also, check out our website for a video overview of the pharmacology of drugs of abuse. Tom Nelson provides answers to key questions about the impact of stimulants and depressants on the brain, body and behavior.

Did you know:

• In the U.S. nearly 9 percent of Americans aged 12 and over report using illicit drugs in the past month. (National Institute on Drug Abuse, 2012)
• According to results from the 2011 National Survey on Drug Use and Health, last year 178,000 people in the U.S. tried heroin for the first time.
• Between 2007-2009 the prevalence of lifetime heroin use among Wisconsin high school students was 2 percent (WI Epidemiological Profile on Alcohol and Other Druge Use, 2010).

About the instructor:

Tom Nelson, PharmD, RPh, is a drug information and substance abuse consultant for numerous state AODA treatment agencies and school districts. A registered pharmacist, he serves as pharmacy clinical coordinator at Children's Hospital of Wisconsin in Milwaukee, where he also directs the pharmacy residency program and investigation drug studies program. Tom's thoughtful and low-key style is well received by participants.

"Excellent, I especially liked Tom's vast and easily communicated knowledge."
-Patricia Lofgren, RN, BSN

"The instructor was extremely knowledgeable about the topic. The handouts went along with the "overhead" and that aided me in following along”

Comments from past participants:

"So beneficial to help explain information to clients and to students. "
-Marilyn Devine, AODA Coordinator

"Very interesting and informative. I especially liked the thorough explanations. "
-Sandra Staats, CICSW

"Excellent program. Good coverage of routes of administration, onset, duration and recovery."
-Sheri Graeber, corrections program supervisor

General information:

Location: Pyle Center, 702 Langdon Street, Madison (map)

Time: Registration 8:30-9:00 am; workshop 9:00 am - 4:00 pm

Fees: $150; includes instruction, materials, CEUs, refreshments and a $20 non-refundable administrative fee.

Registration is limited: We recommend you register early as this program has limited spaces.

Registration: See registration options

Social Workers: The University of Wisconsin-Madison, Professional Development and Applied Studies, (PDAS), (provider number #1042) is approved as a provider for social work continuing education by the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB), (800-225-6880) through the Approved Continuing Education (ACE) program. PDAS maintains responsibility for the program.
WI, IA, MI and MN Boards of Social Work recognize ACE programs.
IL Registered Social Worker Continuing Education Sponsor #159.000243.
Counselors: PDAS is recognized by the National Board for Certified Counselors to offer continuing education for National Certified Counselors. PDAS adheres to NBCC continuing education guidelines (Provider #5990).
WI Psychologists, and Marriage and Family Therapists: Qualifies as an accredited university continuing education course relevant to professional practice.
WI Substance Abuse Counselors: Qualifies as a continuing education course consisting of relevant subject matter taught by qualified presenters.
Educators: This program may qualify towards your Professional Development Plans (PDPs).
Other professions: Completion of each program qualifies for continuing education hours. Contact your own board or organization for specific continuing education requirements.

Cancellation policy: If you are unable to attend or arrange for a substitute, you may obtain a refund minus the $20 administrative fee by contacting our registration department at least 3 business days prior to the program. If you cancel 3 business days or less before the program, or do not attend, you are responsible for the entire fee. To cancel or arrange for a substitute, please call 800-725-9692.

For further program information contact: Kristi Obmascher, email: kobmascher@dcs.wisc.edu or at 608-262-8971 or call our toll free number 800-442-4617.

Registration options:

By phone: Call 608-262-7942 or 800-725-9692.

By mail: Print, complete and mail the Continuing Studies registration form.

Online: Secure online registration is available for this program.