Prevention Programs Fundamental in Opioid Misuse Epidemic

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Prevention Programs Fundamental in Opioid Misuse Epidemic

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The United States is in the midst of a severe opioid epidemic, with more than 100,000 people dying from opioid overdoses each year. This crisis has led to a national mobilization of resources and the development of a new approach to crisis management that focuses on public health.

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Providing buprenorphine-based medication-assisted treatment (MAT) in emergency departments to patients who present with opioid overdose or withdrawal, and linking them to ongoing care

Drug policy disparities are not just about race. The opioid crisis has had a major impact on families and children, affecting all aspects of service providers, including child welfare, courts, treatment providers, public health, and medical professionals. The consequences of childhood trauma related to opioids are severe in adolescence, with overdose death rates—highest for opioids—increasing among adolescents (aged 15-19).

The national dialogue about the opioid use disorder epidemic has largely centered on white populations, even though people of color have experienced higher rates of opioid-related deaths than non-Hispanic white people.

More people have opioid use disorder than can get treatment for it. In 2017, over 450,000 people with OUD couldn't get treatment. And in 2021, only 22% of people aged 12 or older with OUD received medication treatment.

The underlying causes of the opioid epidemic must be addressed, but immediate help is also needed for people addicted to opioids and other substances. This means providing access to programs that have been shown to be effective in helping people recover.

Substance abuse can have a devastating impact on families. Social workers play a vital role in responding to the opioid epidemic by advocating for drug policy reforms, working to pass legislation that supports people with opioid use disorder (OUD), providing behavioral health treatment, and offering family support services. As trained and credentialed treatment providers, social workers have a deep understanding of SUD and OUD intervention and are well-equipped to refer clients to the appropriate treatment options.

Medication-assisted treatment (MAT) is a combination of medication and counseling to treat opioid use disorders. It is one of the most effective treatments available, and the FDA has approved three drugs for MAT: buprenorphine, methadone, and naltrexone. All three drugs are safe and effective when used with counseling and psychosocial support. It is recommended that all people seeking treatment for opioid use disorder be offered access to all three MAT options.

In light of the ongoing opioid epidemic and the shortage of treatment options The Office of National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP) recommends expanding access to high-impact harm reduction tools, such as naloxone, and connecting more people to treatment.

The rate of drug overdose deaths among Black Americans increased significantly in 2020, more than any other racial or ethnic group in the United States. The proliferation of fentanyl in the Black community played a major role in this increase. A CDC report showed that Black Americans died from fentanyl overdoses at far higher rates than white or Hispanic people in 2021. Experts believe that this upsurge of overdose deaths is rooted in racial disparities in opioid policies and the healthcare system.

Social workers play a vital role in all aspects of the opioid epidemic response, from shaping public policy to providing direct support to individuals and families affected by addiction. They also work in a variety of settings, including prisons, where they can help people with opioid use disorder reintegrate into society after release.

Providing medication-assisted treatment (MAT) to people in prison with opioid use disorder and making sure they continue to receive care after they are released to help them avoid relapse and overdose.

Publish date

08

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2023

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12

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Social Work Advocates

Tags

Addressing Racial Disparities in Opioid Epidemic Dialogue

Implementing medication-assisted treatment (MAT)

Addressing and Aiding Opioid Addiction

Key Role of Social Workers in Addressing Opioid Use Disorder (OUD)

Substance abuse related

Topics

Opioid use disorder (OUD)

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https://www.socialworkers.org/News/Social-Work-Advocates/2023-August-September-Issue/Prevention-Programs-Fundamental-in-Opioid-Misuse-Epidemic

Referenced by

Mel Wilson

Social Work

Providing buprenorphine-based medication-assisted treatment (MAT) in emergency departments to patients who present with opioid overdose or withdrawal, and linking them to ongoing care

Social Work

Providing medication-assisted treatment (MAT) to people in prison with opioid use disorder and making sure they continue to receive care after they are released to help them avoid relapse and overdose.

Social Work