Cannabis Use Disorder in Whole-Person Care: An Integrated Approach to Screening and Treatment

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

1. Analyze the epidemiology, neurobiology, and clinical presentation of Cannabis Use Disorder (CUD) within the context of osteopathic primary care.

2. Apply evidence-based screening tools and diagnostic criteria to differentiate patterns of cannabis use and identify common medical and psychiatric comorbidities.

3. Evaluate evidence-based treatment modalities, including psychosocial, pharmacologic, and community-based interventions for CUD.

4. Formulate an integrative, whole-person treatment plan for patients with CUD that incorporates osteopathic principles, Osteopathic Manipulative Treatment (OMT), and mind-body/lifestyle interventions.

The clinical approach to Cannabis Use Disorder (CUD) is undergoing a critical shift, moving from a narrow, often stigmatizing, model to a comprehensive, patient-centered paradigm that addresses the root causes of the condition. Mastering this modern approach requires a nuanced understanding of the interplay between a patient's neurobiology, somatic function, and psychosocial context. This educational activity provides an in-depth exploration of the osteopathic framework for managing CUD, from applying the Four Tenets of Osteopathic Medicine to mastering patient-centered communication and hands-on treatment strategies. Furthermore, it details actionable approaches for building an integrated, interdisciplinary care plan, equipping osteopathic physicians with the advanced skills needed to move beyond symptom management and significantly improve patient function and quality of life.

Educational Need

For many physicians, a significant gap exists between a foundational understanding of addiction and the ability to integrate osteopathic principles, patient-coaching techniques, and evidence-based interventions into daily care. This can lead to missed opportunities for early screening and an over-reliance on a purely pharmacological or behavioral approach, which may not address the underlying drivers of CUD, such as somatic dysfunction, chronic pain, or autonomic dysregulation. This course closes that practice gap by providing the in-depth clinical knowledge and communication skills required to expertly address the structural.