The Women & Addiction: Screening, Treatment & Whole Person Care course will equip healthcare providers with the necessary tools to make a meaningful difference in the lives of women facing addiction. This course will explore the complexities associated with women’s health and addiction, instilling participants with the knowledge and skills needed to provide compassionate, effective, and equitable care to women with substance use disorders. Participants will discuss gender-specific issues, stigma, and unique challenges faced by women in relation to addiction. Participants will consider pharmacotherapy and treatment options appropriate during pregnancy and postpartum, and they will consider holistic care for women across the lifespan. This course is offered as a live, in-person course annually and recordings are available on-demand following the course and for previous courses. This course will empower healthcare providers to support women in making informed decisions about their care and through their journey toward recovery.

Upon completion, participants should be able to:

1. Examine gender-specific issues and stigma associated with substance use disorder to promote informed decisions and support women with addiction.
2. Apply motivational interviewing techniques specific to women’s needs to evaluate and enhance their readiness to change.
3. Use validated screening tools and best practices to detect substance use during pregnancy and provide referrals/recommendations for treatment.
4. Recommend pharmacotherapy options for opioid, alcohol, and tobacco use disorders that are appropriate during preconception, pregnancy, and postpartum.
5. Provide holistic care to women with substance use disorder that includes family planning, promotes trauma-informed care, addresses mental health concerns, and encourages self-advocacy.