Combating the Opioid Epidemic

There is an opioid epidemic in America today. In 2016, there were more than 64,000 drug overdose deaths. Studies have shown that approximately 25% of patients who are prescriped opioids for chronic pain will misuse them, and 10% ultimately develop an opioid abuse disorder.

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The lawsuit brought by Arkansas cities and counties against big pharmacy is a step in the right direction, but we must do more. We must:

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• Fix healthcare insurance so that we can ensure that healthcare plans provide access to abuse-deterrent alternatives to opioids.

• Expand access to healthcare facilities to improve our drug treatment industry and addiction support groups.

• Increase funding for awareness programs to spread the message of the dangers of opioids and drug-mixing.

• Require better labeling of prescription bottles.

• Enhance physician and patient education and training with respect to opioids.

• Work to end the stigma of addiction. It is a disease, not a crime.

 

Twice a year, the Arkansas Drug Take-Back program hosts events at various locations around the state to dispose of unused or expired medications, and to educate people about the dangers of prescription medicines. Read more about this here:
http://www.artakeback.org/

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If you or someone you know is struggling with addiction, please click on the link below to see how you can obtain prevention and recovery services in the state of Arkansas.
http://humanservices.arkansas.gov/dbhs/Pages/Overview-of-Prevention-Services.aspx