- Section 1 | Welcome and Orientation
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1.1 | Welcome to Intro to SUD
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1.2 | What We'll Learn (Learning Objectives)
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1.3 | Before We Begin: A Moment of Reflection
- Section 2 | Understanding SUD
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2.1 | What is a Substance Use Disorder?
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2.2 | Why People Use Substances
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2.3 | Addiction as a Long-Term Health Condition
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2.4 | How Substances Affect the Brain
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2.5 | Knowledge Check
- Section 3 | Treatment and Medications
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3.1 | Medications in Recovery: What to Know
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3.2 | How Medications for Opioid Use Disorder Work
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3.3 | Addressing Common Misconceptions About Medication
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3.4 | Medications for Alcohol Use Disorder (MAUD)
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3.5 | Case Study 1: Michael
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3.6 | Knowledge Check
- Section 4 | Co-occurring Conditions
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4.1 | Understanding Co-occurring Conditions
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4.2 | Why Coordinated Care Improves Outcomes
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4.3 | Case Study 2: Charlise
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4.4 | Knowledge Check
- Section 5 | Trauma, ACEs, & Substance Use
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5.1 | Understanding the Role of Trauma in Substance Use
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5.2 | ACEs: A Closer Look at Childhood Adversity
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5.3 | ACEs and Health Over Time
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5.4 | Reflection: Stress and Recovery in Our Communities
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5.5 | Knowledge Check
- Section 6 | Supportive, Healing-Centered Care Practices
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6.1 | Core Principles of Supportive Care
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6.2 | Knowledge Check
- Section 7 | Rhode Island Support & Service Information
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7.1 | Statewide Support and Service Resources
- Section 8 | Final Assessment and Course Completion
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8.1 | Final Knowledge Assessment
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8.2 | Course Completion
Introduction to Substance Use Disorder
A clear, practical introduction to substance use disorder (SUD): how it develops, how it affects the brain, evidence-based treatment options, and supportive approaches that improve engagement in care. Includes Rhode Island resources that connect individuals to services.
This course provides a clear, practical introduction to substance use disorder (SUD), including how it develops, how it affects the brain, evidence-based treatment options, and supportive approaches that improve engagement in care.
Learners will explore:
- What substance use disorder is and how it develops over time
- Common reasons people use substances
- How substances affect brain systems
- The role of medications in supporting recovery
- How substance use and mental health conditions often occur together
- How early life stress and ongoing adversity can influence health
- Care practices that promote safety, trust, clear communication, and engagement
- Rhode Island resources that support treatment and recovery
The course is self-paced and designed to build accurate understanding, and strengthen responses to people seeking support.