Managing the Misuse of Opioids

Prescription drug misuse—taking medication originally intended for therapeutic use in a manner other than prescribed—commonly takes the form of opioid, stimulant, and central nervous system depressant misuse. For decades, prescription opioids have provided effective pain relief for patients following acute care, such as surgery (including dental surgery), yet in recent years, opioid abuse has become a major public health crisis.

By The Editors On Feb 24, 2020 0

Reported rates of diagnosed opioid abuse have tripled since 2006.

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True

False

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In 2017, the United States Department of Health and Human Services declared the opioid epidemic a public health emergency.

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False

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In 2011, what percentage of emergency department visits involving nonmedical pharmaceutical usage was due to the use of narcotic pain relievers?

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28%

29%

30%

40%

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Patients exhibiting drug-seeking behaviors may present to the dental office for the specific purpose of obtaining opioid prescriptions.

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In pain management, oral health professionals are advised to consider which nonpharmacological therapies?

Acupuncturist inserting a needle into a female back. patient having traditional Chinese treatment using needles to restore an energy flow through specific points on the skin.

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Acupuncture

Mindfulness

Meditation techniques

All of the above

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Oral health professionals should always consider opioid therapies before nonopioid therapies.

Healthcare, opioid epidemic and drug abuse concept with the map of USA filled with oxycodone and hydrocodone pharmaceutical pills on the American flag

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For many patients, a prescription for nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medication, combined with education on the benefits of scheduling, is one of the best strategies for managing pain.

Capsule of NSAID drug on white background(Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug). This medication used for pain control, decrease inflammation, fever treatment, prevent blood clot.

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Managing the Misuse of Opioids

Not bad, but there’s room to grow when it comes to understanding managing the misuse of opioids. Consider reading more about this important facet of dental hygiene care. Good luck!

Well done! Continue to study managing the misuse of opioids. You’ve got this!

Congrats! You understand the importance of managing the misuse of opioids. Get out there and put your know-how to good use!

This information is from the article “Addressing Prescription Opioid Misuse” by Romesh P. Nalliah, DDS, MHCM, Shernel Thomas, BS, Diane Rhee, PharmD, MHA, Sarah Bettag, BA and Melanie Boyd, RDA. To read the article, click here.