Build SUD Workforce Capacity
Fill Knowledge Gaps + Improve Outcomes

Workforce development initiatives across the United States are investing in training to strengthen the substance use disorder workforce. Healthcare providers, public health professionals, educators, first responders, and community organizations all play a role in preventing overdose, supporting treatment, and helping individuals and families affected by addiction. 

Expanding access to nationally accredited, science-based education is one of the most effective ways to close the substance use disorder knowledge gap and strengthen community response to addiction and overdose.

What is SUD Workforce Training?

Substance use disorder workforce training equips professionals to prevent, identify, and respond to addiction and overdose.

Topics often include addiction science, stigma reduction, medications for opioid use disorder (MOUD), harm reduction, and overdose prevention—helping improve outcomes across healthcare and community settings.

Workforce SUD Training Gap

Most U.S. medical schools provide limited addiction training, often fewer than 8 hours (CASA, AAMC)

Only a small percentage of primary care physicians feel prepared to treat SUD (NIDA-supported research)

Over 20 million Americans live with SUD, yet the trained workforce remains limited (SAMHSA NSDUH)

Workforce Development Impact

Substance use disorder affects many and is often misunderstood. Education is critical to strengthening the response to substance use disorder.

Expanding access to nationally accredited, science-based education helps professionals build knowledge, reduce stigma, improve care, and support better recovery outcomes.

Workforce Development Training Solutions for Substance Use Disorder

Overdose Lifeline supports workforce development initiatives with nationally accredited continuing education, learning tracks, and Train-the-Trainer programs designed to build workforce capacity across sectors, including healthcare, behavioral health, public health, education, social services, and first responders.

Our workforce training solutions include:

  • DEA MATE Act–eligible training for prescribers
  • Accredited continuing education (CE) including ANCC, ACCME, ACPE, and other disciplines
  • Flexible online learning that scales across organizations and communities
  • Role-based learning tracks that build foundational SUD knowledge
  • Train-the-Trainer programs help build local education infrastructure.
  • Prevention, harm reduction, treatment, and recovery education
  • Alignment with opioid settlement funding, State Opioid Response (SOR) grants, and other workforce initiatives

Three Flexible Training Models for Workforce Development

Education Solutions Designed to Meet Both Immediate Workforce Training Needs and Long-term Capacity-building Goals

Nationally Accredited CE
Self-paced Online Continuing Education

Online CE courses, learning tracks, and DEA MATE Act training for clinicians and professionals. Group pricing available.

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CE Learning Tracks
Support Workforce Competency

Curated continuing education learning tracks combine multiple courses into a structured pathway.

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Train-the-Trainer
Comprehensive, Turnkey, Capacity-building

Deliver in-person or live virtual education—supporting ongoing workforce development and local capacity building.

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Blended Workforce Training Model

Many Workforce Initiatives Implement a Blended Approach to Expand Access Quickly While Building Sustainable, Long-term Training Capacity.

Looking for Group Enrollment?

We Simplify Group Administration

Group Enrollment Info

Unsure which option is best for you?

Talk to our Training Specialist