This one-hour, journal article-based activity examines associations between social-environmental vulnerability (SEV), healthcare service presence, and opioid overdose rate acceleration across rural and urban communities in the United States. Learners will explore how vulnerability and geographic context are associated with differences in overdose trends and examine the relationship between the presence of opioid treatment programs (OTPs) and primary care providers (PCPs) services and overdose rate acceleration. The article also considers how healthcare service presence in high-vulnerability communities may inform strategies to address geographic and social disparities in opioid overdose outcomes.

This one-hour, journal article-based activity examines the efficacy and safety of methylphenidate (MPH) for the treatment of cocaine use disorder (CUD). Learners will explore findings from a systematic review and meta-analysis evaluating the effects of MPH on cocaine craving and use, including differences in outcomes among individuals with and without co-occurring attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). The article also examines factors that may influence treatment outcomes, considerations related to the safety of MPH, and limitations in the current evidence base to inform future research and clinical practice.

This one-hour, journal article-based activity examines the efficacy and safety of pharmacological interventions for electronic cigarette cessation. Learners will explore current evidence for varenicline, nicotine replacement therapy (NRT), and cytisine, including their effects on abstinence and reported adverse events. The article also examines current limitations in the evidence base and considerations for applying pharmacological approaches to support adults seeking to stop using electronic cigarettes.

This one-hour, journal article-based activity examines ongoing clinical trials for cocaine use disorder (CUD) and evaluates how well ongoing studies align with recent Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recommendations. Learners will explore trends in trial design, including the use of pharmacologic, behavioral, device-based, and digital interventions, while examining common strengths and gaps in current research. The activity also discusses how adherence to regulatory guidance may influence the development, evaluation, and future implementation of effective treatments for CUD.

This one-hour, journal article-based activity examines differences in medication for opioid use disorder (MOUD) implementation between primary care clinics and specialty addiction treatment programs. Learners will explore how organizational capacity, workforce characteristics, implementation climate, and community-level factors influence the adoption and delivery of MOUD across treatment settings. The article also examines opportunities to tailor implementation strategies to address setting-specific barriers, improve access to evidence-based treatment, and support equitable expansion of MOUD services for individuals with opioid use disorder.

This one-hour, journal article-based activity explores the emerging clinical phenomenon of xylazine-related wounds among patients with substance use disorder. Using data from hospitalized patients in Philadelphia, the article examines patient demographics, substance use patterns, and wound characteristics associated with suspected xylazine exposure. Learners will review how these wounds present clinically, how they may differ from infectious skin and soft tissue conditions, and the challenges clinicians face in diagnosis and management. The activity also explores management considerations, including wound care approaches and antibiotic use, to support accurate recognition and evidence-informed clinical decision-making as xylazine-related presentations expand.

This one-hour, journal article-based activity examines the relationships between childhood trauma, chronic pain, and substance use among individuals receiving methadone treatment for opioid use disorder (OUD). Using validated measures of trauma exposure, pain severity, and recent substance use, the study identifies clinically relevant associations between early life adversity and adult pain and substance use patterns. Findings highlight the importance of integrating trauma-informed assessment and care into OUD treatment settings, particularly for patients experiencing co-occurring pain and substance use behaviors.

This one-hour, journal article-based activity examines the use of low-dose buprenorphine initiation (LDBI) in pregnant patients with opioid use disorder, focusing on withdrawal outcomes during the transition from full opioid agonists. The systematic review summarizes emerging evidence on the frequency and severity of withdrawal, including precipitated withdrawal, and highlights similarities to outcomes observed in nonpregnant individuals. This activity provides insights to inform clinical decision-making and identify gaps in evidence to guide future research.

This one-hour, journal article–based activity details the emergence of medetomidine, a potent veterinary α2-adrenergic agonist, as a dangerous adulterant in the illicit fentanyl supply. The article characterizes a novel, severe withdrawal syndrome that is distinct from standard opioid withdrawal, often requiring intensive care and aggressive α2-agonist therapies. This review is important for clinicians to recognize and manage this high-acuity syndrome as it spreads beyond initial geographic hotspots.

This one-hour, journal article–based activity explores key clinical predictors of treatment success for methamphetamine use disorder (MUD) by analyzing secondary data from the landmark ADAPT-2 trial. The article examines how patient levels of craving and impulsivity correlate with transitions between positive and negative urine drug screens (UDS) in individuals receiving a combination of injectable naltrexone and oral bupropion. These findings provide insights for clinicians aiming to optimize pharmacotherapy outcomes and tailor interventions for a high-risk population currently lacking FDA-approved medication options.

This one-hour, journal article–based activity examines the lack of standardized terminology for individuals with substance use disorders who do not achieve remission despite multiple treatment attempts. The scoping review evaluates how terms like "treatment-refractory" and "treatment-resistant" are defined in the literature, identifying significant variability in how clinicians and researchers categorize this high-risk population. By establishing a foundation for a consensus definition, this review informs the development of person-first language and tailored clinical interventions for patients with complex, persistent treatment needs.

This one-hour, on-demand, journal article–based activity examines interventions designed to maintain smoking abstinence in postpartum individuals who quit smoking during pregnancy. The systematic review and network meta-analysis compare cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), motivational interviewing (MI), and combined CBT-MI approaches, assessing their effectiveness at maintaining abstinence at 6 and 12 months postpartum. The article highlights challenges in sustaining long-term abstinence, identifies factors associated with postpartum relapse, and evaluates the current evidence base for psychosocial interventions aimed at reducing postpartum smoking relapse. This review provides insights for clinicians and public health professionals seeking to support ongoing abstinence and improve maternal and child health outcomes during the postpartum period.

This one-hour, on-demand, journal article–based activity examines youth-specific overdose prevention interventions, an important topic given the rising overdose deaths among adolescents and young adults. The article reviews existing educational programs designed to improve overdose awareness, risk recognition, and response among youth. It highlights features of current programs, describes how interventions have been evaluated, and identifies gaps in the evidence on effectiveness, implementation, and distribution. This review provides context for understanding the current conditions of youth overdose prevention efforts and informs future public health and clinical education strategies.

This one-hour, on-demand, journal article-based activity examines how demographic and contextual factors may influence ASAM level of care recommendations for individuals with substance use disorders. Understanding potential biases and disparities in treatment placement is important to ensure equitable and effective care. This article helps learners recognize factors that may influence ASAM ratings, interpret assessment results thoughtfully, and consider strategies to support fair and evidence-informed placement decisions.

This one-hour, on-demand, journal article-based activity examines patterns of non-medical mephentermine use, associated psychiatric and physical complications, and current treatment approaches. It equips clinicians to recognize high-risk populations, identify potential complications, and apply evidence-informed strategies for clinical assessment, intervention, and patient education.