Course Description

This course explores options and decisions regarding recovery and treatment of opioid use disorder. Not all options presented may be for a specific situation. This brochure offers suggestions for the individual seeking treatment options to talk with treatment providers about one’s individual circumstances and explore the role of medication in one’s recovery from opioid use disorder. SAMHSA emphasizes the evidence supports that medications are best used in combination with recovery support, lifestyle changes and professional treatment. (SAMHSA, 2016).


Course Modality: This is an independent home-study course. Students will take the course according to their own timeline. 

Course Completion: To receive the course certificate, each student is required to agree to Student Learning Contract, read all text-based materials, view any media posted, complete and pass course examination, and complete and submit course evaluation. 

Senior Instructor

Diane Sherman, PhD

Dr. Diane Sherman, Ph.D., a substance abuse profession since 1975, beginning her career while serving in the U.S. Army for in the capacity of Behavioral Science Specialist.  She holds the national advanced credential of Master Addiction Counselor, Certified Clinical Supervisor, Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor-II, and E-Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor. Diane earned her Doctorate in Industrial / Organizational Psychology from Capella University in 2007. Since 2008 she has taught and supervised students who are in pursuit of the certified addiction counselor credential. She is a national, regional and state presenter offering topics relevant to addiction professional, clinical, and ethical practices and clinical supervision. In 2015 was honored to receive the Georgia School of Addiction Studies, Bruce Hoopes Pioneer Award in Addiction Treatment, a personally meaningful award, for excellence in the addiction profession.

Course curriculum

  • 1

    Chapter 1. Introduction

  • 2

    Watch this Instruction Video for Completing your Assignments

    • Instructional Video for Completing Assignments

  • 3

    Chapter 2. Decisions in Recovery. Treatment for Opioid Use Disorder (OUD)

  • 4

    Chapter 3. Application to Practice

    • Decisions in Recovery. Assignment #1.

    • Decisions in Recovery. Assignment #2.

    • Decisions in Recovery. Assignment #3

    • Decisions in Recovery. Assignment #4.

  • 5

    Chapter 4. Course Completion

    • Decisions in Recovery. Post-Test

    • Course Review

    • Course Evaluation

Reviews