Opioid Abuse Epidemic In The US: Can Doctors Help?

Opioid abuse epidemic in the United States has been growing steadily over the last few years. However, today, it has reached to levels that cannot be, or rather shouldn't be ignored by anyone.

Opiod abuse epidemic has affected millions of Americans till now. It is estimated that every 19 minutes, an individual dies in the country because of opioid abuse, indicating that it's time to act real fast.

An opioid abuser is often spotted scratching their itchy skin. In addition, they are characterized by their pale skin, constricted pupils and blue fingernails and lips. Doctors in the country do not actually require a blood test to identify such individuals - they can merely look at them and identify the opioid abuser by simple observation.

A majority of individuals who die because of opioid abuse become the victims of prescription medicines such as Percocet, hydrocodone and OxyContin.

Deaths due to opioid abuse have become so common that physicians nowadays have a ready-made profile for the most typical victim: a non-Hispanic Caucasian male in his mid 30's, who died within an average of 31 months from the time of the first prescription. The initial diagnosis for such individuals include reasons such as degenerative arthritis, surgery or back pain.

There is no contradiction in the belief that US is the largest consumer of opioid medications in the world. According to reports, the country consumed more than 75 percent of the opioid prescription medicines in 2011. The figures are particularly horrifying, considering the fact that US accounts for only 5 percent of the world's population.

The US Centers for Disease Prevention and Control (CDC) is now planning to propose an action against the doctors who prescribe opioids for a majority of chronic pain conditions. The federal agency plans to implement the guidelines suggesting doctors to prescribe the lowest amount of dose for the shortest period of time.

It is time for doctors to discuss more treatment options with the patients, including physical and occupational therapy. In addition, understanding the requirement of the patient, following up with them on a regular basis and providing complete guidance is the need of the hour.