The APA is dedicated to providing our members with the latest evidence-based prevention and treatment research to support individuals with substance use disorders. Part of our mission is to promote the highest quality care for individuals with mental illness, including substance use disorders, and their families. We support our mission by offering a variety of resources sharing best practices and lessons learned from our projects, programs, and educational sessions.
As the current opioid epidemic continues to grow, the APA has engaged in a number initiatives to address this ongoing crisis. Several of our most recent initiatives are highlighted below.
Providers Clinical Support System Webinars
The Providers Clinical Support System (PCSS) is comprised of a coalition of major healthcare organizations dedicated to addressing the opioid overdose crisis. As a PCSS partner, APA offers free webinars presented by nationally recognized clinical experts, researchers and government officials so clinicians have access to the latest evidence-based practices for effective treatment options for their patients.
State Targeted Response Learning Collaboratives
The American Academy of Addiction Psychiatry was awarded a two-year $12 million grant by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration to lead a coalition of 22 national health care associations to expand the availability of treatment for opioid use disorder. The STATES Consortium will work with communities to address the opioid crisis by providing psychiatrists with evidence-based practices in the prevention, treatment and recovery of opioid use disorders.
The State Targeted Response Technical Assistance project will launch 32 12-week virtual learning collaboratives on a variety of topics focused on using medication for addiction treatment (MAT) to treat patients with opioid use disorders. Learn more about obtaining CME credits for participating and sign up for a topic below.
Medication Assisted Treatment and Buprenorphine Waiver Training
The APA offers a number of training options to obtain a waiver to provide medication assisted treatment. Current offerings include book-based learning, online training, and several in person training options.
Promoting Screening, Brief Intervention and Referral to Treatment
A number of Federal agencies and offices promote Screening, Brief Intervention and Referral to Treatment as a mechanism to address the health and societal consequences of substance use and addiction. Clinicians are encouraged to screen their patients for drug and alcohol use and provide treatment or referral to treatment when indicated. The following organizations offer an array of resources.
- National Institute on Drug Use
- National Institute on Alcohol Use and Alcoholism:
- Substance Use and Mental Health Services Administration