Individual Course
The Opioid Crisis in America
Course Length
10 weeks
1-2 hours per week
Featuring faculty from:
Harvard Medical School
Enroll as Individual
Certificate Price:
$ 149
Enroll as Individual
Certificate Price:
$ 149
Learn about the origins and spread of the opioid epidemic
On average, 130 Americans die every day from an overdose of opioids, the class of drugs that includes heroin, hydrocodone, codeine, morphine, and fentanyl. Around 70% of all opioid overdose deaths involved a prescription opioid. Drug overdose is now the leading cause of accidental death in the United States — opioid addiction is driving this epidemic.
In this course, you'll learn about the origins and spread of this epidemic. Our experts will cover the appropriate ways this class of drugs should be used, but we will also explore the impact of opioid misuse on the individual, family, and community. You’ll hear about effective medical treatments for addiction and how to reduce the stigma that exists around addiction. You’ll learn how to help prevent overdose deaths and explore the multiple pathways to recovery.
Join us to confront this epidemic with a broad perspective of the causes, effects, and solutions to the opioid crisis. After learning about harm-reduction approaches and evidence-based interventions to prevent addiction and support recovery, you will be equipped to confront the opioid epidemic.
—
This course is available for Continuing Education credit. Enroll in the course to learn more about options for earning credit.
Self-Guided
edX
- Learning Outcome
Medical and non-medical use of opioids, including heroin and fentanyl, and the risks and neurological pathways to opioid addiction
- Learning Outcome
The individual and social impacts of opioid addiction and the latest harm reduction approaches for law enforcement and public health officials
- Learning Outcome
Empathic evidence-based behavioral approaches and medications that health care professionals can offer those struggling with opioid addiction
- Learn from Harvard faculty
- Do it on your own time
- Get a certificate, add it to your resume
- Be part of the Harvard Community
Ways to take this course
Audit or Pursue a Verified Certificate
A Verified Certificate costs $149 and provides unlimited access to full course materials, activities, tests, and forums. At the end of the course, learners who earn a passing grade can receive a certificate.
Alternatively, learners can Audit the course for free and have access to select course material, activities, tests, and forums. Please note that this track does not offer a certificate for learners who earn a passing grade.
Your Instructor
Catherine Finn, MSW, LCSW
Deputy Editor, Harvard Health Publishing at Harvard University Read full bio.
Your Instructor
Gregory Curfman, MD
Assistant Professor of Medicine, Harvard Medical School at Harvard University Read full bio.
Stay tuned for more
Don’t miss a thing. Subscribe to our newsletter and get updates on exclusive content for Harvard Online learners.