A Systems Approach Is The Only Way To Address The Opioid Crisis

The opioid crisis, which affects millions of people across the country, shows no signs of stopping. Indeed, the pace of addiction and death is so fast in some locations that the statistics are more overwhelming than helpful. Pioneering, effective interventions are needed — but they will only get us so far. The complexity of the opioid crisis requires medical, legislative, behavioral, educational, and legal changes, and it requires that these changes be made in coordination with each other, at the same time. States and communities will succeed only if they engage and align all actors to create systems that can prevent new individuals from becoming dependent on opioids, while supporting the recovery of those who already are. Failing to take such an approach will result in burnout among those working individually to improve the current situation and a rate of progress that is too slow to keep up with the velocity of this crisis and the power of opioid addiction. Fortunately, important actions are being taken at the national level and within some states to both prevent individuals from becoming addicted and to treat those who already are. For example, the Center for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) recent guidelines will help millions of physicians prescribe opioids appropriately and responsibly. The Department of Health and Human Services’ proposed rule to increase the patient limit for physicians who prescribe buprenorphine (an effective medication used to treat...
Source: Health Affairs Blog - Category: Health Management Authors: Tags: Drugs and Medical Technology Health Professionals Public Health Quality Behavioral Health Opioid Addiction opioids prescription drug abuse Substance Use Disorders Source Type: blogs