8 Steps Towards Minimising the US Opioid Crisis

Current levels of opioid addiction in the US are so alarming that in July 2017 the President’s Commission on Combating Drug Addiction and the Opioid Crisis urgently suggested that President Trump declare a national emergency to free up resources and help treat the problem.

In the meantime, outlined below are eight steps, some of which are recommended by the President’s Commission, that can help to combat opioid addiction in the US – now.

1. Save lives by increasing the availability of naloxone: The medication which can help reverse the effects of opioid overdose.
2. Treat and do not criminalise users as this is the most effective path towards recovery.
3. Continue to fund treatment services: To repeal Obamacare would eliminate Medicaid which has helped to save lives of many affected by the opioid crisis.
4. Combat stigma and the misunderstandings that surround the opioid crisis.
5. Support medication-assisted treatment such as methadone, naltrexone and buprenorphine.
6. More than 2/3 of people addicted to opioids are also suffering from a mental health problem. Therefore, the US must work to enforce mental health parity law.
7. Teach pain management and stop the over-prescription of opioid painkillers.
8. Target younger age groups with prevention campaigns.

Click here to read more.