2026-2027 | On-Demand Session | Hour 1: Epidemiology of Substance Use Disorders & Hour 2: Alcohol--The Most Destructive Drug in America

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This session provides a comprehensive review of the epidemiology of substance use disorders and the impact of alcohol use and alcohol use disorder in the United States. Aligned with the ACAAM National Addiction Medicine Didactic Curriculum and ABPM content areas, the session combines foundational epidemiologic concepts with an examination of alcohol-related morbidity, mortality, and public health burden. Learners will explore key national surveillance systems, trends in substance use across populations, and the role of epidemiologic data in informing clinical practice, prevention strategies, and health policy.

What This Covers

Part 1: Epidemiology of Substance Use Disorders

Core epidemiologic concepts, including incidence, prevalence, and study design
Application of epidemiologic methods to understand the distribution and determinants of substance use disorders
Major national surveillance systems and datasets, including NESARC, NSDUH, and Monitoring the Future
Current trends in substance use across the United States and identification of populations at increased risk
Use of epidemiologic data to inform clinical care, prevention efforts, and public health policy

Part 2: Alcohol—The World's Most Destructive Drug

Epidemiology of alcohol use and alcohol use disorder in the United States
The scope of alcohol-related morbidity and mortality and its impact on population health
Clinical consequences of alcohol use, including cancer risk, liver disease, neurologic effects, and other comorbid conditions
Mechanisms of alcohol-related toxicity, including carcinogenesis and neurobiologic pathways
Current controversies, emerging evidence, and evolving guidance regarding alcohol use and health risk

How This Resource Is Used

This session is designed for on-demand learning, focused content review, and board preparation. It may be used to reinforce foundational addiction medicine concepts, supplement fellowship training, or support preparation for addiction medicine certification examinations. Learners can engage with specific topic areas independently or complete the full session as part of a structured study plan.

Timothy K. Brennan, MD MPH

Dr. Brennan is Chief of Clinical Services for the Addiction Institute of Mount Sinai and directs the Addiction Medicine Fellowship at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai. He also serves as Vice President for Medical and Academic Affairs for the American College of Academic Addiction Medicine. His work focuses on addiction education, pharmacotherapy, and policy, with a particular emphasis on improving care for patients with substance use disorders across health systems.

Edwin Salsitz, MD

Dr. Salsitz is Associate Clinical Professor of Psychiatry at Mount Sinai and a board‑certified addiction medicine physician with more than 35 years of experience. He has been a national leader in addiction education, serving as faculty for numerous ASAM courses and training clinicians across the country in evidence‑based treatment of substance use disorders. His clinical and academic work focuses on the treatment of opioid use disorder, including medication‑based therapies and emerging challenges such as fentanyl. He is widely recognized for his contributions to physician education, mentorship, and advancing best practices in addiction care.

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After viewing a minimum of 50% of the session, the evaluation will become available
We encourage you to complete the evaluation to reflect on the content and provide valuable feedback
Upon completion, a Certificate of Participation will be issued for your records

Live Session: Epidemiology of Substance Use Disorders & Alcohol—The Most Destructive Drug in America (July 2026)

Free