​Training & Resources

The Science of Addiction

Dr. Corey Waller is an expert in the field of addiction medicine and has over a decade of experience teaching and training on the evidence-based treatment of addiction. Below are a set of videos Dr. Waller recorded for training of DHCS staff and stakeholders discussing frequently asked questions about addiction and medication-assisted treatment (MAT).

• Addiction Neuroscience 101
• Addiction Overview
• Addiction as a Chronic Disease
• How Opioids Can Cause Addiction in a Patient with Pain
• Stimulants
• Alcohol Use Disorder
• The Data on Marijuana
• MAT for Opioid Use Disorder
• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Addiction
• California's DHCS Treatment System

DATA Waiver Training Resources

A Drug Addiction Treatment Act (DATA) 2000 waiver allows practitioners to prescribe buprenorphine, a medication used to treat opioid addiction. Under the DATA 2000 requirements, providers must complete specific training in order to qualify for a waiver to prescribe and dispense buprenorphine. Below are links to supported continuing medical education (CME) courses that can help providers qualify to prescribe buprenorphine in an office setting.  

Resources:

• Free Online DATA Waiver Training Course for Physicians
• Supported CME Course
• NP and PA MAT Waiver Training
• SAMHSA Medication Assisted Treatment of Opioid Use Disorder Pocket Guide

Toolkits for Treatment Providers

As part of the MAT Expansion Project, DHCS is developing toolkits to help providers learn more about MAT and how it can benefit patients in their path to recovery. 

Prescriber Toolkit 

• This toolkit outlines the necessary steps to obtain a DATA 2000 Waiver to prescribe buprenorphine in a primary care office, or other health care setting.

Residential Facilities Toolkit

This toolkit for residential facilities was developed by Harbage Consulting, with support from the California Health Care Foundation, and in collaboration with DHCS. The toolkit aims to inform residential facilities about the evidence behind MAT, how it can help their patients, and how to get started with prescribing or allowing access to these medications within their facilities. The toolkit consists of three parts, an appendix, and a resource from the National Council for Behavioral Health challenging common myths about MAT.​

• Appendix: Sample IMS Submission Documents

MAT Toolkit for Counselors

• MAT Toolkit for Counselors
• Quick Guide to MAT for Opioid Use Disorder and Alcohol Use Disorder
• Quick Guide to Helping Patients Find a MAT prescriber
• Narcan Instruction Guide
• National Council - Challenging Myths about MAT
• SAMHSA's MAT for Opioid Addiction - Facts for Family and Friends 

Technical Assistance and Training 

​Technical assistance and training opportunities are available free of charge to counties and eligible providers.  Please contact UCLA Integrated Substance Abuse Programs for more information.