What Health Care Providers Need to Know about the Epidemic
Responsible prescribing can save lives. From 1999 to 2013, the amount of prescription opioids dispensed in the U.S. nearly quadrupled, yet there has not been an overall change in the amount of pain that Americans report.
Safe, Effective Pain Management
Provide your patients with safe, effective pain management and reduce their risk of misuse, abuse or overdose:
- Talk with your patients about:
- the risks of taking prescription opioids, including addiction, overdose and death.
- a variety of pain treatment options that may be appropriate for their condition, such as over the counter pain relievers or physical therapy and exercise.
- Follow best practices for responsible painkiller prescribing, including:
- Prescribing the lowest effective dose and only the quantity needed for the expected duration of pain.
- Planning with your patients on how to stop opioids when their treatment is done.
- Providing your patients with information on how to use, store, and dispose of opioids.
- Avoiding combinations of prescription opioids and sedatives unless there is a specific medical indication.
- If available, use your state’s prescription drug monitoring program (PDMP) to identify patients who might be misusing prescription drugs and are at risk of overdose.
If you suspect your patient has a substance abuse issue, refer them to SAMHSA’s National Helpline at 1-800-662-HELP (4357) or SAMHSA’s Behavioral Health Treatment Services Locator.
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