Combatting the Opioid Epidemic
Physicians are on the front lines working to prevent opioid misuse, addiction, and overdose.
The Problem
The opioid and overdose epidemic no longer revolves only around prescription opioids, but also illicit drugs and complex patterns of misuse.
The Path Forward
According to the American Medical Association Substance Use & Pain Care Task Force, physicians are key partners in reversing this crisis by applying evidence-based care, reducing stigma, and advancing access for patients with substance‐use disorders.
As a physician, you can be actively involved in this effort.
- Integrate harm reduction strategies into practice: For example, ensure timely access to the reversal drug naloxone for patients at risk.
- Use state Prescription Drug Monitoring Programs (PDMPs) consistently when prescribing and managing opioid therapy.
- Advocate for policy changes that remove unnecessary treatment barriers (e.g., prior authorization, dosage caps) for patients with substance use disorder (SUD) or chronic pain.
Get Involved
You are on the front lines. Your decisions influence not only prescriptions and pain-care, but also access, referral to treatment, integration of SUD management, and reducing health‐disparities in overdose risk. With evolving substance-use trends and policy reforms, your engagement is critical.