Opioid abuse has increasingly become a serious public health issue over the past few years, with over 12 million people misusing prescription opioids in 2015. Providers' Clinical Support System for Opioid Therapies (PCSS-O) clinical experts, led by Roger Chou and Melissa B. Weimer, who have extensive knowledge in treating chronic pain, have developed a comprehensive core curriculum for primary care providers who want to have in-depth knowledge in this subject area. The curriculum gives up-to-date and evidence-based information on best opioid prescribing practices.

The PCSS-O curriculum, which provides clinicians with a solid base for treating chronic pain, is now on TRAIN as a nationally available training plan. It is the most comprehensive and up-to-date curriculum developed thus far for the treatment of chronic pain. 

Funding for this initiative was made possible (in part) by grant no. 5H79TI025595-03 from SAMHSA. The views expressed in written conference materials or publications and by speakers and moderators do not necessarily reflect the official policies of the Department of Health and Human Services; nor does mention of trade names, commercial practices, or organizations imply endorsement by the U.S. Government.

1. The Risk Evaluation and Mitigation Strategy (REMS) Playbook for Opioid Prescribing from the American Academy of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation is beneficial for all prescribers, especially those who prescribe extended-release/long-acting opioid analgesics. This activity is free and walks users through six educational modules that include video clips and gamification style self-assessments, and offers up to three AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™.
   
   
2. The Opioid Overdose Prevention Toolkit from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) offers strategies for health care providers, communities, and local governments to develop practices and policies to help prevent opioid-related overdoses and deaths.
   
   
3. The Medications to Treat Opioid Addiction Research Report Series from the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) simplifies the research findings on effective prevention and treatment strategies for opioid misuse and addiction to improve individual and public health.
   
   
4. The American Society of Addiction Medicine (ASAM) is a recognized leader in the planning and presentation of educational events in the addiction field. Find live webinars, web-based trainings, and educational resources on opioid addiction.