PDMPs Linked to Reductions in Opioid Overdose Deaths
New research funded by the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) found that state implementation of prescription drug monitoring programs (PDMPs) was associated with a reduction in opioid-related overdose deaths. The study, published in Health Affairs, also found that PDMPs that monitored greater numbers of drugs with abuse potential and updated their data more frequently had greater declines in opioid-related overdose deaths than programs without those characteristics. Click HERE for more on this story
The Safe Opioid Prescribing Initiative
Doctors who over-prescribe OxyContin, Percocet and other narcotic painkillers known as opioids are widely seen as partly responsible for a dramatic rise in drug overdose deaths over the last two decades. Fatal overdoses kill more than 1,000 people a year in North Carolina and nearly half involve prescriptions written within 60 days of the victim’s death. Regulators seeking to curb deaths are now using a statewide database to spot potentially reckless prescribing. Click HERE for more on this story
Senate Passes Bill to Support Substance Abuse Treatment
Responding to a drug crisis that has contributed to more American deaths than car crashes, the Senate passed a broad drug treatment and prevention bill, the largest of its kind since a law in 2008 that mandated insurance coverage for addiction treatment. The measure authorizes money for various treatment and prevention programs. It also strengthens prescription drug monitoring programs to help states and expands the availability of the drug naloxone, which helps reverse overdoses, to law enforcement agencies. It also increases disposal sites for prescription medications that are often abused by teenagers and others. “This is a strong signal that…
SAMHSA Announces a $30,000 Opioid Recovery App Challenge
The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) is announcing a new challenge to help to spur developers to create a mobile application (app) that provides additional recovery support to patients receiving treatment for opioid misuse. The app may be used as part of a patient’s comprehensive treatment plan that includes counseling and participation in social support programs. The goal of this challenge is to increase access to resources, educational materials, information and support for people in outpatient recovery from opioid misuse. Click here for more information
Public Health Leaders Urge Far-Reaching Reforms to Curb Prescription Opioid Epidemic
A group of experts, led by researchers at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, issued recommendations aimed at stemming the prescription opioid epidemic, a crisis that kills an average of 44 people a day in the U.S. The report calls for changes to the way medical students and physicians are trained, prescriptions are dispensed and monitored, first responders are equipped to treat overdoses, and those with addiction are identified and treated. The report, titled “The Prescription Opioid Epidemic: An Evidence-Based Approach,” breaks its recommendations into seven categories: Prescribing Guidelines Prescription Drug Monitoring Programs (PDMPs) Pharmacy Benefit Managers (PBMs)…
It’s Red Ribbon Week
National Family Partnership (NFP), was established as a grassroots, nonprofit organization in 1980 by a handful of concerned and determined parents who were convinced they should begin to play a leadership role in drug prevention. Today, NFP is a national leader in drug prevention education & advocacy. This year’s theme, “Respect Yourself. Be Drug Free.™”, created by a middle school student in Ohio, sends a powerful, positive message to our children – and we invite you to join us in spreading that message. Check out the planning guide for ideas on activities you can do in your community.
The Role of Physicians in Addressing Prescription Med Abuse
According to the National Institute for Drug Abuse, more than 100 million people in this country suffer from chronic pain, and for some opioid therapy may be the only option for relief. Physicians often walk a thin line in the desire to confront the public health emergency while upholding our oath to reduce the suffering of our patients. Robert E. Schaaf, M.D., president of the N.C. Medical Society, says “We, as physicians and physician assistants, have a responsibility to stop the abuse of opioids, as it saps the human and economic resources of our state and country.” This responsibility includes the…
NC Law: Underage Drinking and Private Parties
Although it is legal in some states for minors to drink alcohol at private parties with permission from their parents, North Carolina is not one of those states. Officials with the state Division of Alcohol Law Enforcement said any adult who allows a minor to consume alcohol or reasonably should have known that underage drinking was occurring in their home can be criminally charged for misdemeanor aiding and abetting. Click HERE for more on this story.
DEA Schedule Changes for Opioids
Prescription medication abuse has become an issue of great concern. The DEA moved hydrocodone combination pills, also known as opioids, from a Schedule III to a Schedule II drug. The final ruling goes into effect in 45 days. Drugs are categorized into one of five “schedules” by the DEA based on “whether they have a currently accepted medical use in treatment in the United States, their relative abuse potential and their likelihood of causing dependence when abused.” Other drugs, such as Adderall and morphine, are also labeled as Schedule II. Now, in order to use these drugs, patients will have…
Resource on How to Talk to Teen About Marijuana
Partnership for Drug-Free Kids developed a guide for parents on how to have a difficult, but important conversation about marijuana.