Ans)As stated in the question, it is really most important for
everyone to know that Opiods- The depth and breadth of prescription
opioid abuse is far reaching and has quadrupled overdose death rate
since 1999, according to the Centers for Disease Control and
Prevention (CDC). Especially, the overuse and misuse of opoids is
found more in the age group 25-54.
So, the most common drugs associated with prescription opioid
overdose deaths are methadone, oxycodone, and hydrocodone.
Prevention aspects for this problem:
- Screening of patients for substance abuse or misuse: One simple
screening tool is the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) Quick
Screen
- Assessment of patients receiving opioids medications, side
effects to monitor and reassess for it's necessity.
- Use non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) as the first
option for pain management rather than opoids.
- Provide patient's education for non pharmacological pain
management techniques such as meditation, yoga, deep breathing
exercises.
- Document the medication given accordingly
- Continuous pain management courses for health professional to
have knowledge of it.
- Closely monitor patient use of controlled drugs to avoid
overdependence or potential addiction or it's misuse and refer them
to pain management center or specialist.
- Continuous monitoring of patients taking opoids will definitely
reduce or help identify at earliest the problem before it
worsen.