Self-Paced Video-Based Learning

Highly Recommended by 86% of the People Who Have Taken the Course

Course Description

The purpose of this course it to convey a working understanding of Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs), trauma and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and how these are both relate to general health outcomes, but particularly Substance Use Disorder.

ACEs and trauma play a large role in substance use disorder. Viewing individuals within the context of their life experiences provides an important lens for recovery. Trauma informed care and resilience building are key components to recovery that emphasize prevention and rehabilitation.

1.5 CE Credits - delivered upon 100% course completion, achievement of 80% (minimum) passing grade on the final exam, and completing the course ending survey.

Download Overview: Exploring-the-Role-of-ACEs-Trauma-in-SUD-ATR-SUD-Overview-MATE-ACT.pdf

What You Will Learn

At the completion of the course, you will be able to

  • Describe an Adverse Childhood Experience (ACE) and the study of ACEs. 

  • Explain the connection between trauma, ACEs, and existing social conditions. 

  • Identify experiences that are classified as adverse childhood experiences ACEs and general trauma. 

  • Identify the relationship between trauma, ACEs, PTSD, and general health outcomes, particularly in relation to substance use disorder (SUD).

  • Identify the practices or next steps helpful for individuals dealing with ACEs, SUD, or general trauma including a trauma informed care approach and building resilience.

Course CE Credits and Certificate Program

In partnership with Purdue University College of Pharmacy, Office of Continuing Education, Overdose Lifeline has developed layperson and clinician CE courses and Certificate Program on Addiction / Substance Use Disorder with an Opioid Specialization.

The course and the certificate program are structured to support the educational needs of pharmacy professionals. An individual may pursue individual course CE credits or complete the entire Certificate Program (20 credits).

Pharmacist Accreditation Statement:

Pharmacist Accreditation Statement - Purdue University College of Pharmacy is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education as a provider of continuing pharmacy education. This is a knowledge based, continuing education activity of Purdue University, an equal access/equal opportunity institution.

Universal Activity Number (UAN): 0018-9999-25-026-H01-P, 1.5 contact hours (.15 CEU).

Release Date:  4/18/2025

Expiration Date:  04/18/2027

How to Receive CE Credit(s)

During course registration you will be prompted to provide your NABP eprofile # and your MMDD of birth (example: September 5th would be 0905). These two numbers, when combined, create your unique ID for credits to be directly reported to CPE Monitor. If you are unsure of your NABP e-profile number, please go to CPE Monitor to learn more: https://nabp.pharmacy/cpe-monitor-service/

Upon completion of this course you will receive a Statement of Participation Certificate* which is an acknowledgement of completion and is NOT VALID for CE reporting. 

Verification of credits earned will be emailed within 6 weeks and CE Credit will be reported through CPE Monitor, also within 6 weeks.

*The Statement of Participation will be referenced on-screen at the end of the course and your certificate will be delivered to the email address associated with this course's registration.

Take Online Courses from Anywhere

Completing when it is convenient for you.

  • Video-based Online Learning

  • Highly Rated: 4.75 Rating. 86% Would Recommend.

  • On Your Schedule — At Your Own Pace

  • Progress is Tracked So You Can Pick Up Where You Left Off

  • Gain Knowledge or Fulfill Educational or Professional Requirements

  • Certificate Delivered Upon Successful Course Completion

What People Are Saying

Exploring the Role of ACEs and Trauma in Substance Use Disorder Course


"I learned that so much of the trauma response begins during childhood and has a major impact on health for the rest of your life.

"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."

"As a pharmacist, sometimes we forget to take a look at other components of SUD. It is helpful to remind us to screen for ACEs and trauma."

"I was not aware of ACEs prior to this course. It is both helpful and relevant in my practice to know how to identify ACEs and understand how ACEs affect physical, emotional and psychological wellbeing."

"This was a very eye opening course as to how childhood trauma not only affects our behavior but our health outcomes and chronic conditions directly. This is a true public health threat that needs to be addressed with education and concern placed on early intervention."
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Course Author and Reviewer

The course was authored by Justin Phillips, Masters Clinical Addictions Counseling, Executive Director and Founder Overdose Lifeline, Inc. an Indiana based non- profit dedicated to reducing the stigma of substance use disorder and preventing deaths resulting from opioid overdose. Overdose Lifeline serves as a statewide nonprofit addressing the opioid public health crisis since 2014 through subject matter expertise, education, advocacy and support for affected families. Justin spent most of her career in public health and the prevention of unintentional injury and death to children. She received a degree in philanthropic studies and nonprofit management in 2011.

Subject Master Expert Denise A. Senter, MFT, LMHC, Director of Mental Health and Clinical Services, Reach for Youth. Reach For Youth (https://www.reachforyouth.org/) is a source of hope for youth, their families and the community in time of need.

Additional Course Notes

  • The course may be accessed from a computer, tablet or mobile device. Internet access is required as are speakers for audio.

  • The following web browsers are supported: Desktop - Firefox, Safari, Chrome, and Edge. Note the course platform does not support Internet Explorer. Mobile - iOS Safari: 11 and up, Chrome, Samsung Internet.

  • The course will remain available in your account for six months - allowing you to complete the course at your own pace and return to the course later for review of key concepts.

  • All faculty, staff and reviewers involved in the planning, review or presentation of continuing education activities provided by Purdue University College of Pharmacy are required to disclose to the audience any relevant commercial financial affiliations related to the content of the presentation or enduring material. All planning committee members, writers, staff and reviewers of Overdose Lifeline and Purdue University have no relationships to disclose.

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