The Intersection of Education and Health - Professors’ Online Program Against Drug Abuse

In an era where the complexities of societal issues demand multifaceted approaches, the intersection of education and health emerges as a critical focal point in combating pressing challenges such as drug abuse. Recognizing this urgency, a pioneering initiative led by a consortium of forward-thinking professors has given rise to an innovative online program specifically designed to address the pervasive issue of substance misuse. This program not only aims to equip students with foundational knowledge about the biological, psychological, and social dimensions of drug abuse but also emphasizes the importance of developing effective preventive strategies and intervention techniques. By integrating academic rigor with practical application, the program fosters an interdisciplinary understanding that bridges the gap between educational theory and health practice. With an array of resources ranging from expert lectures to interactive case studies, participants are empowered to engage critically with the subject matter, ultimately preparing them to become informed advocates and practitioners in the field. As we delve into the intricacies of this initiative, we will explore its objectives, methodologies, and the anticipated impact on both individual lives and community health, underscoring the vital role education plays in shaping a healthier, drug-free future.

A Turning Point in the Fight Against Overdose Deaths

The United States has witnessed a notable decrease in deaths resulting from drug overdoses, a trend that we must strive to maintain. Many medical professionals attribute this positive shift to the widespread availability of naloxone, marketed as Narcan, which serves to temporarily reverse the effects of opioid overdoses. However, merely reviving individuals from overdose situations does not address the underlying issues of addiction. It is imperative that we implement comprehensive training programs focused on rehabilitation and prevention of substance abuse. Enter Edward Bednarczyk, Clinical Associate Professor in the Division of Outcomes and Practice Advancement at the University at Buffalo (UB) School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences. With a lifelong dedication to researching opiates and their impact on the human body, Professor Bednarczyk has been instrumental in addressing this pressing issue. In 2017, Professor Bednarczyk and his team of researchers at UB developed a training initiative aimed at all New York licensed professionals authorized by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) to prescribe controlled substances. Fast forward nearly a decade, and this training program has evolved into a state-mandated online course that serves as a vital resource in combating opioid misuse across New York State.

Inside the Opioid Prescriber Education Program

The Opioid Prescriber Education Program is a four-hour accredited online course specifically designed for licensed professionals with DEA authorization. It covers seven critical areas related to the prescription of addictive medications: prescribing controlled substances, pain management, appropriate prescribing practices, management of acute pain, palliative care strategies, prevention of substance misuse, and screening for signs of addiction. Funded by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and supported by the New York State Department of Health, this program holds accreditation from the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education. Since its inception, thousands of medical professionals, predominantly from New York State, have successfully completed the course. Professor Bednarczyk emphasized that the primary goal of their research was to determine the feasibility of a large-scale, enduring online training program conducted within an academic framework. The answer came swiftly, as the data revealed that participants—doctors, pharmacists, nurses, and others—exhibited a significant increase in knowledge post-training. In 2023, the program was streamlined into a single, comprehensive curriculum, and to date, more than 90,000 prescribers and pharmacists have enrolled in the ongoing course.

New York’s Long History of Leadership in Prescription Monitoring

New York has a long history of monitoring prescription drug use, dating back to 1914 with the implementation of the Town-Boylan Law. This early initiative required physicians to submit duplicate prescription forms to a centralized database to curb excessive opioid prescribing. Since then, various strategies have been developed to enhance monitoring of potentially habit-forming prescription drugs. Subsequently, many states adopted similar measures, culminating in the establishment of Prescription Drug Monitoring Programs (PDMPs). These electronic databases effectively track controlled substance prescriptions issued by healthcare providers on a state-wide basis. When properly implemented, PDMPs enable pharmacists and physicians to collaborate, preventing patients from acquiring opioids from multiple prescribers—a practice often referred to as “doctor shopping.” Missouri became the 50th state to join the initiative in 2021 by launching its own statewide database.

Recognizing the Signs of Opioid Dependency

Robert Wahler, a Clinical Associate Professor of Pharmacy Practice at UB, developed a module within the training program aimed at equipping pharmacists with the skills to identify individuals at risk for opioid dependency or overdose. This module emphasizes recognizing both the signs and symptoms of addiction, as well as monitoring prescription patterns and other relevant factors. While pharmacists may not observe all indicators of opioid use disorder, their role is crucial in identifying potential cases. Recognizing both physical and behavioral indicators allows healthcare professionals to intervene before an overdose occurs.

Physical Indicators include: neglect of personal appearance, constricted pupils, reduced respiratory rate, unresponsiveness, drowsiness, fluctuations in appetite, significant weight changes, nausea, vomiting, excessive sweating, tremors, enlarged pupils, and concealing arms with long sleeves.

Behavioral Indicators include: changes in attitude or personality, withdrawal from family and friends, loss of interest in activities, decline in academic or job performance, secrecy, mood swings, anxiety, or sudden euphoria. In more severe cases, advanced warning signs such as missing medications, burnt spoons, syringes, or powder residue can indicate chronic addiction.

Looking Ahead: Sustaining the Momentum in Opioid Prevention

While we recognize the progress made in reducing overdose deaths, it is essential to remain vigilant and committed to enhancing treatment programs for those grappling with substance abuse. Distributing naloxone and promoting harm reduction strategies, while lifesaving, cannot be the sole focus of our efforts. As Professor Bednarczyk aptly stated, “We have made significant strides in addressing the misprescribing of opioids and improving pain management. However, the emergence of new substances, particularly those laced with fentanyl, remains a concern. As overdose deaths may stabilize or decline, we must continue to monitor this evolving landscape.” Our collective effort to address the opioid crisis must extend beyond emergency response and into education, prevention, and treatment. Continued education for both medical professionals and the public about the dangers of opioid misuse is key to maintaining progress and preventing future crises.

Conclusion: Education as the Foundation for a Safer Future

The fight against opioid addiction and overdose does not end with naloxone—it begins with education. Programs like the Opioid Prescriber Education initiative at the University at Buffalo are essential in equipping healthcare professionals with the knowledge to prescribe responsibly and recognize addiction early. By fostering collaboration among medical professionals, pharmacists, and policymakers, and by emphasizing continuous education and prevention, we can sustain this downward trend in overdose deaths. The road ahead may be challenging, but with commitment, compassion, and awareness, a future free from the devastating effects of opioid addiction is within reach.

READI COLLECT: Strengthening Safety Through Reliable Post-Accident Testing

As the nation continues its fight against substance misuse, maintaining a safe and compliant workplace has never been more critical. Post-accident drug and alcohol testing not only protects lives but also upholds accountability and reinforces a culture of prevention—key principles highlighted in the ongoing effort to reduce drug-related incidents. With the READI Collect App, employers gain access to the fastest and most reliable onsite drug and alcohol test collections in the industry. Powered by patented technology, the app connects your team to a nationwide network of certified collectors who respond quickly to post-accident situations, ensuring compliance with DOT regulations and company policies. In an environment where education and prevention go hand in hand, READI Collect helps employers act decisively when it matters most—protecting their workforce, reducing liability, and strengthening overall safety practices. If your organization is ready to streamline post-accident testing and enhance workplace safety, learn more about READI Collect here.




























































































Tags: Public Health, Life Skills, COVID-19 pandemic, e-cigarette use, reductions in substance use, e-learning modules, digital approach, digital intervention, hybrid model, Social Skills, Communication Skills, Assertiveness Skills, Skills Knowledge, Relaxation Skills, current study, widespread adoption, MIXED models, small-group discussion, Educ Res, evidence-based prevention programs, National Health Promotion Associates, JAMA Pediat, Addict Behav, Cochrane Database Syst, Botvin GJ, Griffin KW, Prev Sci, proportion of students reporting, Scheier LM, Sloboda Z, Nichols TR, Diaz T, Vincus AA, Hanley S, Hansen WB, Falco M, Prev Sci.