The Opioid Crisis

The Opioid Crisis is a serious health issue that deserves more public awareness. According to the Department of Public health, from 2012 to 2014, the number of cases of unintentional opioid overdose deaths has dramatically increased by 65%. In Massachusetts alone, 1,173 overdose deaths were recorded during the year 2014. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, about 80% of new heroin users started by using prescription opioids.

Opioid addition is a serious issue that has many detrimental affects to not only those using opioids, but their loved ones as well. In order to improve this problem, we need prevent addiction caused by exposure to medically prescribed opioids. Pain can be extremely debilitating and when patients experience pain, many expect providers to prescribe opioid medication. In order to provide satisfactory care, some physicians are quick to prescribe opioids before trying other pain-relieving methods. Unintentionally, some patients may then experience physiological dependence or addiction to the opioid medication.

Health care providers can help prevent opioid addiction by prescribing painkillers more cautiously and using alternative methods to treat pain whenever possible. Providers and patients should take more time discussing the negative side effects of opioids and risks associated with addiction, and try to choose less addictive forms of pain-relief when possible. If health care providers and their patients can work together to manage pain without overusing opioids, less people will become dependent or addicted, and the opioid crisis may decline.

Francesca Carmone, RN-BS

Umass Lowell, Nurse Practitioner Student