The goal of this program is to educate the public about the dangerous consequences of drug abuse, increase the public’s awareness of treatment sources, and engage people in the recovery process. Some of the methods for prevention include talking to children and teens about drugs and the use of NARCAN(r) or other prevention tools.
Talk to children and teens about drugs
It’s essential to talk to children and teens about opioid addiction prevention. The opioid epidemic can seem unstoppable, but there are things you can do to stop it. One of the first things you can do is monitor your child’s friends. Opioid use in adolescents is often linked to having friends who use drugs. And even if your child is a “good kid,” he or she might be tempted by friends who use opioids.
One way to talk to your teen about addiction is to share facts about drug abuse. This includes educating them about how addictive substances affect the body and brain. This can be done by reading drug facts and drug abuse information in the media, and sharing them with your child. Another effective method is to use news stories as conversation starters. The key is to make sure the conversation is ongoing and frequent.
NARCAN(r)
Narcan(r) is a life-saving opioid overdose reversal agent that can revive an individual within thirty to forty seconds. The drug is approved for use in overdoses caused by opioid drugs like heroin and prescription pain medications. Several organizations and agencies, including the Opioid addiction prevention Office of National Drug Control Policy and the World Health Organization, recommend its use.
Narcan(r) is an opioid overdose reversal agent and can be used by anyone without medical training. It should be included in your emergency kit and administered according to the directions on the label.
Limit prescription of opioids to seven days
The law would limit the initial supply of opioids to seven days. The limit applies to acute pain, which is defined as pain that occurs for a short period of time. It does not apply to chronic pain treated in the context of cancer, hospice, or end-of-life care.
To prevent addiction, opioids should only be prescribed for a limited number of days, and they must not be taken for more than seven days. The law also states that a physician must explain the risks of using opioids. The physician should also review the patient’s medical history, physical examination, and treatment plan. Moreover, the doctor should ensure that the opioids are necessary for the patient’s treatment.
Education programs on safe prescribing
One of the most effective ways to reduce the risk of addiction to opioid medications is through education programs that teach safe prescribing. These programs are often free and can be accessed by health care professionals. They can be used as part of initial licensure requirements or as continuing medical education.
These education programs offer a variety of learning formats, such as case studies, interactive web-based learning, knowledge checks, and resources for practicing safe prescribing for opioids. In addition to preventing addiction, they provide healthcare providers with an enhanced understanding of opioids and the various alternatives for treating pain.