What are effective strategies for addressing the opioid epidemic with physicians?

1 Understand the scope

The first step is to understand the scope and impact of the opioid epidemic in your community and your client population. Opioids are a class of drugs that include prescription painkillers, such as oxycodone and hydrocodone, as well as illicit substances, such as heroin and fentanyl. Opioids can relieve pain, but they can also cause dependence, tolerance, withdrawal, and overdose. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), nearly 50,000 people died from opioid-involved overdoses in 2019, and more than 10 million people misused prescription opioids in the past year. The opioid epidemic affects people of all ages, races, genders, and socioeconomic backgrounds, and it can have devastating consequences for individuals, families, and communities.

2 Communicate effectively

The second step is to communicate effectively with physicians who prescribe opioids or treat opioid-related conditions. As a human service professional, you have a unique perspective on the social, emotional, and behavioral aspects of your clients' lives, and you can share valuable information with physicians to inform their clinical decisions. For example, you can provide information on your clients' history of substance use, mental health, trauma, stress, coping skills, support systems, and treatment goals. You can also ask questions to understand the physicians' rationale, expectations, and recommendations for opioid therapy, and to clarify any concerns or uncertainties you or your clients may have. Communication is key to building trust, collaboration, and coordination between you and the physicians, and to ensuring that your clients receive safe, effective, and holistic care.

3 Educate yourself and your clients

The third step is to educate yourself and your clients on the benefits and risks of opioids, and on the alternative or complementary options available for pain management and addiction treatment. As a human service professional, you can help your clients make informed choices about their health and well-being, and empower them to advocate for their needs and preferences. You can also help your clients understand the potential side effects, interactions, and precautions of opioids, and how to use them as prescribed, store them securely, and dispose of them properly. Additionally, you can educate your clients on the signs and symptoms of opioid overdose, and how to access and administer naloxone, a medication that can reverse an opioid overdose. You can also inform your clients about the resources and services that can support their recovery, such as medication-assisted treatment (MAT), behavioral therapy, peer support, and harm reduction.

6 Collaborate and network

The sixth step is to collaborate and network with other professionals and organizations that are involved in addressing the opioid epidemic, and to share your knowledge, experience, and best practices. As a human service professional, you can benefit from learning from and working with other disciplines and sectors, such as public health, law enforcement, education, and advocacy. You can also participate in training, workshops, webinars, conferences, and online forums that can enhance your skills, competencies, and awareness of the latest trends, research, and policies on opioids. Additionally, you can join or create coalitions, partnerships, or task forces that can promote coordination, integration, and innovation in addressing the opioid epidemic at the local, state, or national level. Collaborating and networking can help you and your colleagues expand your resources, perspectives, and impact, and to improve the quality and accessibility of care for your clients.