Activity Description

This lecture addresses the complex management of chronic pain in patients with substance use disorders, combining theory with practical approaches. Participants will learn to differentiate between addiction, chronic pain, and physical dependence, enabling accurate assessment and treatment planning. The session covers a range of medical and psychosocial treatment options tailored for patients facing both addiction and chronic pain, equipping providers with comprehensive strategies for care. Additionally, participants will gain skills for counseling patients on addiction-related issues and effectively linking them to specialized treatment resources.

Target Audience

Physicians and other healthcare professionals

Goals and Objectives

Upon completion, learners will be able to:

• Differentiate between addiction, chronic pain, and physical dependence in patients with substance use disorders to enable accurate assessment and individualized treatment planning.
• Identify and implement a range of medical and psychosocial treatment options specifically tailored for patients experiencing both chronic pain and substance use disorders.
• Develop effective counseling skills to address addiction-related concerns and facilitate appropriate referrals to specialized treatment resources for comprehensive patient care.

References and Resources

1. Volkow, N. D., Jones, E. B., Einstein, E. B., & Wargo, E. M. (2019). Prevention and treatment of  opioid misuse and addiction: A review. JAMA Psychiatry, 76(2), 208-216. doi:10.1001/jamapsychiatry.2018.3126
2. Seal, K. H., Knaak, E. A., & Gagnon, D. R. (2018). Managing chronic pain in primary care: It really  does take a village. The Journal of General Internal Medicine, 33(S1), 9-12. doi:10.1007/s11606-018-4342-3

Faculty Bio

Sudheer Potru, DO, FASA, FASAM is a triple-board-certified anesthesiologist, pain medicine physician, and addiction medicine specialist at the Atlanta VA Medical Center, where he directs the complex pain management clinic. He has published topics and serves on national committees for major organizations, including the American Society of Anesthesiologists, the American Society of Regional Anesthesia and Pain Medicine, and the American Academy of Pain Medicine.  A speaker at numerous national and international conferences, grand rounds, and academic sessions on managing pain in patients with substance use disorders, including at the Southern Medical Association’s Annual Scientific Assembly held October 24-26 in Atlanta, Georgia.

Faculty Disclosure

Dr. Potru has disclosed no financial relationships as of 2024.

Course Information

CME Release Date: November 20, 2024
Valid for credit through: November 19, 2025
Course type: Enduring Material
Estimated time of completion: 1 hour
Maximum number of attempts: 3
Passing Score: 70%

Credits Available

Southern Medical Association is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME) to provide continuing medical education for physicians.

Southern Medical Association designates this Enduring Material activity for a maximum of 1.0 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit(s)™. Physicians should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.

System Requirements and Instructions for Participation and Credit

System Requirements

• Learners must have Adobe Reader installed in order to view course content.
• The website is supported by the latest versions of most modern web browsers. In order to experience the website fully, please upgrade to the latest version of one of the following browsers: Google Chrome (recommended), Microsoft Edge, Mozilla Firefox, Apple Safari, Apple Mobile Safari.
• JavaScript must be enabled. JavaScript should be enabled by default in your browser, but if not then please consult your browser's Help section for information on how to change this setting. Upgrade your browser to a version that supports JavaScript 1.2 or higher (see browser list above).
• Connection Speed Requirements - DSL or faster

Instructions for Participation and Credit

This activity is designed to be completed within the time designated; learners should claim only those credits that reflect the time actually spent in the activity. 

To successfully earn credit, participants must complete the activity online during the valid credit period noted, following these steps:

• Read the goals and objectives, accreditation information, and author disclosures.
• Login in below to study the educational content and references.
• Complete the evaluation and quiz.

Upon successful completion of these components, your certificate will be processed and emailed from customerservice@sma.org. Credits will be archived for 6 years; at any point within this time period you may login to your account to print a duplicate copy of your certificate.