With more than 2 million Americans now suffering from an opioid use disorder, it is high time for physicians to accept their responsibility in creating the problem and the solution, according to the American Medical Association's President Steven J. Stack, MD.
Writing in an open letter to America's physicians, published by The Huffington Post, Dr. Stack wrote, "The medical profession must play a lead role in reversing the opioid epidemic that, far too often, has started from a prescription pad."
He added, "As a profession that places patient well-being as our highest priority, we must accept responsibility to re-examine prescribing practices. We must begin by preventing our patients from becoming addicted to opioids in the first place."
He called on physicians to take immediate action in the following ways:
- Avoid prescribing opioid treatments for patients with chronic non-cancer pain.
- Prescribe the lowest effective dose for the shortest possible duration for post-operative care and acutely-injured patients.
- Join and use the state-based Prescription Drug Monitoring Program.
- Reduce stigma to provide better care.
- Reduce opioid exposure in patients on chronic opioid therapy, but do so compassionately.
- Help connect patients with opioid abuse to evidence-based treatment.
- Co-prescribe naxolone, the overdose reversal drug, to at risk patients.
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