Question

What are the characteristics of patients who are part of the opioid epidemic in the U.S.? Opana was marketed as an abuse-deterrent formulation. How did the AIDS patients in Indiana abuse this drug? List the pros and cons of a needle exchange program. What are your opinions about needle exchange programs?

Answer 1

Prescription opioids are semi-synthetic medications that derive from the active opiate alkaloids found in the opium poppy. In their numerous formulations, they are prescribed to relieve various levels of pain. With a similar method of action as heroin, they reduce the intensity of pain signals and are capable of producing positive, reinforcing effects in the user.

** How aids patient abuse opoids

Injection drugs most commonly associated with HIV/AIDS include heroin, a depressant opioid, and cocaine, a stimulant. Various forms of amphetamine can also be abused via an intravenous route of administration. Although these are associated with HIV risk, these drugs are all floridly addictive and, without addiction treatment, it is likely that drug use of this type will continue throughout any possible HIV/AIDS treatment. It is not known whether any of these drugs directly interfere with antiretroviral therapies.

* Pros and construction of needle exchange program;

Needle exchange programs are controversial harm reduction programs that provide sterile needles to people who inject drugs. Many programs also dispose of unsterile needles and provide an array of other services.

Pros;

• Lower numbers of contaminated needles in a community
• Reduced drug-related behavior
• Reduced sexual-risk behavior
• Increased access to drug treatment referral services
• Increased access to testing and diagnostic services
• Increased access to education about substance abuse
• Increased communication with hard-to-reach populations
• Reduced prevalence of new infections.

Cons;

• Enabling current drug use
• Increasing injection drug use
• Increasing drug use among entire community
• Increased rates of infection
• More contaminated needles in the community
• Increased financial burden on taxpayers
• Increased crime near needle exchange sites
• Low access to injection drug users in rural areas