Opioid addiction, such as heroin and prescription pain medication, is a growing problem
in the United States and internationally. Knowledge and respect for the epidemiology
of opioid abuse and addiction, its consequences, and the role of the ED prescriber
and nurse in reducing the risk and sequelae of opioid abuse and addiction is critical
to reduce the incidence of adverse outcomes and deaths. This article will consider
briefly the historical perspectives, the epidemiology, and the causes and risk factors
of opioid abuse and review select evidence-based approaches that ED providers and
nurses may implement to minimize the risk of opioid abuse and addiction by reducing
inappropriate prescribing of opioids, implementing stronger prescription monitoring
programs, improving access to substance abuse programs, and expanding training in
the recognition of overdose and access to emergency overdose treatments.
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SBIRT article.
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Biography
Jonathan Green is Director of Critical Care, Good Samaritan Hospital, Suffern, NY.
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© 2017 Emergency Nurses Association. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
