The Psychopharmacology of Drugs

This training, hosted by the National Association of Social Workers, focuses on developing basic knowledge about the drugs that are commonly used by participants at Syringe Service Programs (SSPs). The session will review basic information about how drugs are used, why they are used, and ways to reduce the harms from using drugs. The session will also provide an overview of how to engage program participants/clients in conversations around the way they are using drugs and potential harms that can be reduced. Finally, participants will learn how to use Harm Reduction methods to engage with people who use drugs and better understand their experience.

Participation will:

• Describe types of drugs commonly used.
• Discuss factors surrounding drug use.
• List three harm reduction ideas to reduce drug-related risk.

Participants may receive up to 1.5 CEUs during this training.