According to the CDC (2025), opioid overdose deaths are on a downward trajectory; nearly 27% less in 2024. However, the Opidemic remains a significant issue. Participants will examine the risk factors associated with opioid-related harms, including overdose. In addition to discussing the signs of an overdose, participants will also review the critical response to one. This course provides an overview of the Overdose Prevention Act, MOUD, and diversion. With this knowledge, clinicians will be better prepared to educate clients and families about overdose risks and the role of MOUD in harm reduction.   

Upon completion of this course, participants will be able to:

• Outline factors that may place clients at a greater risk for an opioid overdose.
• Recognize the signs and respond to an opioid overdose.
• Distinguish myths and facts about MOUD.
• Discuss diversion and the implications for prevention.

Presenter
Ana Guerra, LCSW, LPC, LCADC, CCS
Ms. Guerra is a seasoned mental health professional with extensive experience in mental health and substance use disorders. She specializes in the treatment of Co-Occurring Disorders and Trauma. Ms. Guerra parlayed her clinical experience into a career as an adjunct/faculty member for various colleges and universities in NJ. She proposed, developed the curriculum, and taught the Substance Use Disorder courses at Kean University’s Social Work Department. Ms. Guerra teaches across the Bachelor's and Master's level curriculum in Social Work and Addiction Studies. As a trainer for NJPN, she served as an integral team member revising the CADC curriculum. Ms. Guerra facilitates training and consultation for various mental health, substance use, and academic settings. She also maintains a private practice. Ms. Guerra is approved by the Addiction Professionals Certification Board of NJ (APCBNJ) to teach initial and re-certification L/CADC courses. In 2018 & 2019, Ms. Guerra facilitated training for NASW-NJ and the Annual Conference. Ms. Guerra was selected by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) to serve on the National Taskforce Committee to develop CSWE’s Substance Use Curricular Guide, which was published in 2020. In 2021, Ms. Guerra was approved by the APCBNJ as a Mandatory Legal Class Trainer; then in 2022, the NJ Alcohol & Drug Counselor Committee approved Ms. Guerra to teach the 3-hour Legal Standards course.

CE's New Jersey
This course, “Opioid Overdose: Risk, Response and Reduction,” and the trainer, Ana Guerra, have been approved by the NJ Alcohol and Drug Counselor Committee. This course, provided by Behavioral Health Matters, approval #403071526REC3s, has been approved for three (3) continuing education credit hours by the APCBNJ. Credentials issued by the APCBNJ, the NJ Board of Marriage and Family Therapy Examiners, and the NJ Board of Social Work Examiners recognize such courses. This 3 CE course is approved for social work continuing education hours in accordance with N.J.A.C. 13:44G-6.4c12.

Certficates
Participants must be present for the duration of the event, answer all roll calls, and complete a Course Evaluation to be eligible for a Certificate of Completion that will be sent via email within 2 weeks.  

Last Updated: 05/09/26