Simulation in Addiction Education

Addiction and substance use disorders are complex medical conditions with a number of effective treatment options. Providing health care professionals with high-quality training to treat addiction and substance use disorders is an essential component of health care education. High-fidelity simulation has been a successful teaching method in training providers across various health care disciplines and specialties. Some such disciplines include dentistry, nursing, and numerous medical specialties. In recent years, high-fidelity simulation has proven to be a significantly effective teaching tool in psychiatry and specifically in the treatment of addiction and substance abuse. High-fidelity simulation recreates real-life medical scenarios in a safe learning environment and results in improved medical care and better patient outcomes. This commentary introduces basic concepts of simulation-based education followed by a focus on high-fidelity manikin-based simulation and its use across various disciplines including addiction. It concludes with a discussion of the benefits and potential of manikin simulation in addiction treatment.