Advice for expanding knowledge about addiction?

Specialties Addictions

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My background: I've worked in L&D and NICU for 19 years. Many of my adult patients have suffered from addiction to substances, and many of my neonates are born addicted to substances or have had exposure to substances. This year I transition to a new role as a Certified Nurse Midwife at an FQHC in my hometown.

I have a special heart for women addicted to substances during their pregnancy. I can also guarantee that I will now be the provider for many of them in my community. There is a methadone clinic in town and some physicians are starting to prescribe Suboxone.

Questions for those of you involved in addiction nursing:

What classes, if any, would you recommend as a baseline knowledge for this population (ie psychopharm)? Are there continuing education seminars that are helpful? Are there resources not to be missed? Any advice from the trenches?

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Specializes in Psych, Addictions, SOL (Student of Life).

You might want to start by picking up and reading the Big Book of Alcoholics Anonymous. I's a sort of user's manual on addiction and recovery from the 12 step perspective. If you google CE's for addiction medicine - you should find plenty of classes.

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Has anyone read this text:

The ASAM Essentials Second Edition

I also see there is a board certification in this specialty. Any thoughts?

Certification and MOC

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Hi I've been in maternal child nursing for 30 years. I also worked with a lot of addicts when I worked in NYC. Now I want to do a career change , I think I would be great at addiction nursing. My son and husband are recovering from addiction. I just don't know how to get started.

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