Pharmacists are on the front line in the effort to combat opioid abuse, which has claimed tens of thousands of lives in the past decade.
Opioids have valid purposes: pain relief after injury or surgery, management of long-term pain caused by cancer, or cough suppressants.
But some people abuse these prescription-only drugs and become addicted, affecting not only their lives but those of family, employer and friends.
Pharmacists, who are medication experts, help in the fight against opiate use disorder, a serious public health problem.
They monitor the use of opioids and watch for signs of abuse.
They educate individuals and the community at large about opioids – the benefits and the dangers, such as physical dependence and loss of control.
Treatment
Three medications have Food and Drug Administration approval for treatment of opiate abuse. They are methadone, buprenorphine and naltrexone. Pharmacists are familiar with all three, which require prescriptions.
- Methadone controls withdrawal symptoms and reduces cravings for opioids.
- Buprenorphine works like methadone. It often is used with naltrexone to block opioids from producing euphoria or “a high.”
- Naltrexone can be used as an injectable that is effective for four weeks.
Types of opioids
Opioids is used to refer to both opiates and opioids. Opiates are naturally occurring chemicals like codeine and morphine. Manufactured drugs that are considered opioids include hydrocodone, oxycodone, methadone and fentanyl.
Heroin and illegally manufactured fentanyl, known for causing many fatal overdoses, are illegal opioids.
Questions
Consult with your neighborhood pharmacist if you are concerned about possible misuse of opioids. Danger signs include previous drug abuse, severe mental health conditions, childhood abuse or family history of substance abuse.
Your pharmacist can answer your questions and discreetly refer you to other resources that will help overcome opioid abuse.
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