Overdose Lifeline Learning

“I think one of the most important takeaways from this course is that as health care providers we need to increase our awareness of ACE's and then be able to respond to that when we identify them in our patients. This changed my perspective and will impact my clinical practice."

"Dispelling myths about harm reduction was helpful, especially being presented with the research and learning how harm reduction strategies encourages people who use drugs to seek treatment and reduces the risks to the general community. ”

“This course allowed me to truly understand the science behind the disease, which allowed me to really grasp addiction in terms of a disease rather than a moral failing. I particularly found the discussion surrounding brain chemistry and the evidence-based science behind addiction very helpful and beneficial."

"In the past when I thought about stigma and addiction, I typically thought about how another person (family member, neighbor) stigmatize someone with this disease. I now have a better understanding of how stigma from other areas of one's life (medical communities, law enforcement, etc.) affects someone with this disease.”

“Changed my perspective on harm reduction and implementing programs like syringe programs etc. Previously I had a misconception that it increased use and just gave indivduals an easier way to do it. Harm reduction strategies don't increase use... they actually decrease use."

"I have a much better understanding of how medications are used for MAT/MOUD therapy and how to decide which treatment may be best suited for each individual patient. Not all individuals are the same, thus individualized medication regimens must be prescribed along with counseling.”

“One of the hardest lessons that I have taken from the training would definitely be trying to retrain my brain, to overcome a lifetime of experience and judgements regarding patients with substance use disorders, and recognize their manipulative effects not as weakness or personality defects, but rather as treatable medical conditions that, with proper medication, guidance, and stewardship, may help people lead productive lives free from addiction and sadly, the unnecessary death that all too often accompanies it.”

“Prior to the courses I have worked with those with mental illness and substance use. The courses and exercise emphasized the issues that can complicate recovery beyond physical and mental cravings. Recovery impacts the whole person as well as those around them. Rather than focusing on how to decrease physical cravings only, I have learned that I should also be working with patients to identify stressors, situational concerns, and positive reinforcement of positive behaviors.”

“The trianing helped me to understand the importance of Harm Reduction measures in the recovery process and the “Meet Them Where They Are” mentality. Prior to the courses and this project, I would have said that going cold turkey is the only way to recover from an addiction. But now I can see where recovery is a continuum, and just because a relapse happens, or someone hasn’t completely abstained from the offending agent doesn’t mean they are not making forward progress in their path to recovery. ”