I recently read a great resource from the American Psychological Association (APA) called “The Opioid Guide: A Resource Guide for Practicing Psychologists.” This guide was developed by an APA task force focused on clinical responses to the opioid crisis.
While the guide was developed primarily for psychologists and other health care professionals, I found that it contains a lot of useful information that will be of interest to just about anyone who is concerned about the opioid crisis.
Here are 10 important facts I learned from this opioid resource guide:
1. The opioid crisis is huge. In 2016, over 42,000 US residents died from opioid overdose and 2.1 million people had an opioid use disorder. Over 11.5 million people misused prescription opioid pain medicine.
2. There are many types of opioids. Numerous prescription opioid pain medications can be abused. In addition, heroin, an illegal substance, is an opioid derived from morphine. Fentanyl, a synthetic opioid, can be 50 to 100 times stronger than morphine. Another synthetic opioid, carfentanil, originally developed to tranquilize large animals, is about 10,000 times more powerful than morphine.
3. Prescription opioids need to be stored and used safely. Don’t take more of the medication that what is prescribed. Don’t share prescribed medications with others. Store the medication in a location not easily accessible by others, out of reach of children, and locked if possible. Check the medications to ensure pills are not missing.
4. Dispose of opioid medications properly. Dispose of unneeded or expired medications promptly. Don’t flush the medications down the toilet as they pose environmental risks. Many pharmacies, clinics and health departments will accept unused medications. At home, mix the medications with unpalatable trash (dirt, cat litter, coffee grounds) and put the mixture in your household trash. Scratch out all personal information on empty pill bottles before throwing them away.
5. Know the red flags for misuse. Opioid drug use patterns that indicate concern include: a) using the medication to get high or change one’s feelings; b) using more medication than prescribed or for a longer time than prescribed; c) purchasing medication illegally or by “doctor shopping” (going to multiple doctors for prescriptions).
6. How to find opioid treatment programs. Look for programs certified by SAMHSA (US Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration) and/or accredited by The Joint Commission. Search online through SAMHSA’s Treatment Locator and Buprenorphine Provider Locator. Also check your state government health site and your local public health department.
7. Types of treatment for opioid misuse. Common treatment interventions for opioid use disorder include opioid detoxification (medically supervised medication to treat withdrawal symptoms), medications for opioid use disorder (MOUD; e.g., methadone, buprenorphine, naltrexone), and behavioral therapies.
8. Self-help options. Self-help groups can be beneficial as part of an overall treatment plan. Check out Alcoholics Anonymous, Narcotics Anonymous, SMART Recovery, Women for Sobriety, CheckUp & Choices, and Decisions in Recovery.
9. Family support is available. Mutual help support groups for family members regarding opioid misuse include Nar-Anon, Smart Recovery Family and Friends, and Learn to Cope.
10. Responding to an opioid overdose. Signs of an opioid overdose can include: blue skin, face is pale, person is conscious but unable to respond, makes choking or gurgling sounds, breathing is slow, irregular or has stopped, pulse is slow or erratic or has stopped, and vomiting. Naloxone (Narcan, Evzio) is a medication to reverse an opioid overdose. Free training and free kits are widely available or first responders will carry them. Call 911 and administer rescue breathing until help arrives.
If you would like further detail about these points, you may access the full resource guide here. Let’s continue to increase awareness about this important information as we continue to combat this ongoing national crisis.
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