What Does a Pharmacist Think About the Opiod Epedemic?

What does a pharmacist think about the opioid epidemic?

BY TYLER LABAUCH

SPONSORED BY CANNON PHARMACY

More than 40 people die every day from overdoses involving prescription opioids. 1 Prescription opioids are medications used to treat moderate to severe pain. Many Americans suffer from chronic pain. These patients deserve safe and effective pain management. However, it is equally important for doctors to determine the appropriate prescription opioid, dosage, duration, follow-up and discontinuation. About 11.5 million adults misused prescription pain relievers at least once in the past year. 1 Opioid addiction is a complex but treatable disease that affects brain function and behavior. These drug substances impact many circuits that include learning, memory, reward, motivation, emotional feeling, breathing, balance and coordination. This is why opioid addiction treatment is a complex multifaceted process. No single treatment is appropriate for everyone. It is also essential to take a holistic approach by addressing any underlying medical, psychologic, social, vocational or legal problems. Research indicates that most addicted individuals need at least 3 months in treatment to significantly reduce or stop their drug addiction. 2 Treatment success depends on each individual, but some external factors can assist. Family engagement and retention, earlier detection, facilitate better interpersonal relationships, replacing drug-using activities with constructive and rewarding positive activities, are just a few. Also, the use of medications combined with behavioral therapies significantly increase recover.

At your local pharmacy, the general public has access to naloxone - a non-addictive, lifesaving drug that can reverse the effects of an opioid overdose when administered in time. It can very quickly restore normal respiration to a person whose breathing has slowed or stopped as a result of overdosing with heroin or prescription opioid pain medications.

In 2017, the US Department of Health and Human Service (HHS) declared a public health emergency for prescription opioids abuse. 2 Through the “5-Point Strategy to Combat Opioid Crisis,” the HHS hopes to provide better prevention, treatment and recovery options to providers and their patients.

It is important to have a strong working relationship with your physicians and pharmacist to ensure optimal patient care. Your community pharmacist can improve your quality of life in a variety of ways, including medication management, patient counseling and health education. Reference:

1. Center for Disease Control and Prevention - Opioid Overdose: www.cdc.gov

2. U.S. Dept. of Health and Human Services - Opioid Epidemic: www.hhs.gov/opioids