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ForwardOpioid Use and the Gut-Brain Axis - 2026 APP Summit
This course explores the neurobiology of opioid use disorder and its far‑reaching impact on the gut‑brain axis, highlighting how opioid exposure alters dopamine signaling, immune function, and the gut microbiome. Learners will examine the resulting physiological and pathological consequences—including gut dysbiosis, inflammation, and associated neurologic and psychiatric conditions—while considering implications for harm reduction and future research.
Target Audience
This activity is intended for physician assistants, nurse practitioners, nurse midwives, and nurse anesthetists.
Learning Objectives
Upon completion of this activity, participants should be able to:
- Define opioid use disorder by describing its diagnostic features, illustrate the neurobiology underlying opioid use, and assess clinical indicators of opioid withdrawal and tolerance.
- Explain the basic function of the gut‑brain axis and analyze how opioid use alters gut microbiome interactions.
- Evaluate the clinical implications of disruptions to the gut microbiome and illustrate their potential physiologic and behavioral effects.
Presenter: Ireland O'Brien, MPH, PA-S2 – Senior Patient Care Technician, UPMC Passavant, Master of Physician Assistant Studies - Student
Conflict of Interest Disclosure:
No members of the planning committee, speakers, presenters, authors, content reviewers and/or anyone else in a position to control the content of this education activity have relevant financial relationships with any companies whose primary business is producing, marketing, selling, re-selling, or distributing healthcare products used by or on patients.
DISCLAIMER STATEMENT
The information presented at this CME program represents the views and opinions of the individual presenters, and does not constitute the opinion or endorsement of, or promotion by, the UPMC Center for Continuing Education in the Health Sciences, UPMC / University of Pittsburgh Medical Center or Affiliates and University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine. Reasonable efforts have been taken intending for educational subject matter to be presented in a balanced, unbiased fashion and in compliance with regulatory requirements. However, each program attendee must always use his/her own personal and professional judgment when considering further application of this information, particularly as it may relate to patient diagnostic or treatment decisions including, without limitation, FDA-approved uses and any off-label uses.
In support of improving patient care, the University of Pittsburgh is jointly accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME), the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE), and the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC), to provide continuing education for the healthcare team.
Physician Assistant (AAPA)
The University of Pittsburgh has been authorized by the American Academy of PAs (AAPA) to award AAPA Category 1 CME credit for activities planned in accordance with AAPA CME Criteria. This activity is designated for 0.5 AAPA Category 1 CME credit. PAs should only claim credit commensurate with the extent of their participation.
Nursing (CNE)
The maximum number of hours awarded for this Continuing Nursing Education activity is 0.5 contact hour.
Other health care professionals will receive a certificate of attendance confirming the number of contact hours commensurate with the extent of participation in this activity.
Available Credit
- 0.50 AAPA Category I CME
- 0.50 ANCCUPMC Provider Unit is accredited as a provider of continuing nursing education by the American Nurses Credentialing Center’s Commission on Accreditation
- 0.50 Attendance