FDA Recommends Opiate Prescriptions with Naloxone for Overdose Reversal
Seven of our states in the US are now following FDA regulations suggesting that opiate prescriptions now be accompanied by Naloxone injection prescriptions, a drug that can pull patients out of an overdose. This drug duo is prescribed to patients at higher risk for overdose, or who have battled with addiction in the past. Developments like these with overdose precautions and FDA regulations are changing how the nation looks at opiate use and are a step in the direction of change.
Doctors Prescribe Naloxone with Pain Relief Rxs
In a recent CNN article regarding the prescription of Naloxone along with opiate medications, discussion of the ramifications of this duo prescription cannot be ignored. The fact that life insurance, and additional healthcare insurance providers, are now looking at these prescriptions and denying coverage dissuade patients from obtaining the prescription. Receiving such a prescription for Naloxone, even if you never fill it or use the anti-overdose drug, can mean that you are flagged in a negative way in the eyes of providers. The stigma of addiction is heavy and faced my many patients who are just trying to find relief from pain.
Alternative Pain Management
Although the opioid epidemic is coming into full light, we still have a long way to go regarding opioid addiction, opioid use disorder, and the movement towards alternative pain relief options. One solution may be for health insurance providers to offer more coverage for physical therapy, massage, alternative medicine, and even psychological support, as pain is often linked to trauma and stress. There is no doubt that back pain especially is in the very least exacerbated by stress, lack of sleep, and unhealed trauma in the body. Until our nation’s health care system reexamines how it looks at pain management, we must be thankful for these baby steps toward helping opioid users stay alive.
Are You Ready for a Change?
At Decision Point, we understand that it takes several baby steps to make it to a new destination. The growing understanding in the mainstream that opioid addiction is such a problem that the FDA recommends an anti-overdose treatment to be prescribed is a huge step in the recognition of the drug problem in the US. Our addiction specialists work diligently to help those with addiction reach a point where they no longer need those overdose remedies and no longer rely on opioids to live a happy life. If you are ready for a change, now is the time to contact our team. There is not a moment to lose when it comes to your life, because your next overdose may be your last—even with the availability of Naloxone.
Contact the opioid addiction specialists at Decision Point, our drug and alcohol rehab center in Prescott, to discuss your treatment options at (844) 292-5010.