Drug Monitoring Programs Are Driving More People Toward Heroin, Study Says
Opioid prescription drug monitoring (PDMP) programs are driving more people toward heroin use, recent research from Columbia University (CU) has indicated. Researchers from the CU School of Public Health reviewed 17 studies and found that as prescriptions run out, people switch to stronger illegal drugs.
Although 10 studies found that after the implementation of drug monitoring programs, there was a reduction in opioid overdose deaths, three found that with restricted opioid prescribing, heroin use and overdose deaths have increased. The study was published in the Annals of Internal Medicine in May 2018.
PDMPs are used by physicians and pharmacists to identify physician purchasing behavior, overprescribing rates, and the risk of misuse to help curb the opioid epidemic. These programs are current or approved by legislation to start over in all 50 states and the District of Columbia. According to lead author David Fink, it is important to understand whether these programs are critical to alleviating the number of opioid overdoses.
In places where the programs were effective, the researchers found that databases were updated at least once a week and authorization systems were well-monitored. In addition, the system was also updated with those drugs that are not on the Drug Enforcement Administration’s (DEA) scheduled controlled substances list.
Co-author Silvia Martins opined that “programs aimed at reducing prescription opioids should also address the supply and demand for illicit opioids.” Consequences like people substituting heroin for opioids shouldn’t go unnoticed.
Heroin use often begins with prescription opioids.
Many people addicted to opioids switch to heroin use, as it is cheaper and easier to get. In addition, it does not require a prescription. A recent article even suggested that after the introduction of OxyContin in 2010, “every opioid death averted was replaced by one heroin death.” The use of fentanyl has also increased in recent years, and PDMPs are not yet equipped to track or control its rapid rise.
Patients are generally prescribed opioids after surgery or when they are in deep pain due to a chronic illness. But they are often not informed about the potential harm from misuse and abuse by themselves and their families. Some patients may be prescribed unnecessary refills when they don’t need them.
A recent Mayo Clinic survey found that the majority of patients (63 percent) who were prescribed opioids after surgery did not use them and only 8 percent discarded leftover medications. Children and pets in the home could misuse or swallow leftover pills.
Tracking the database requires physicians to verify the number of prescriptions that are written, the duration for which they are prescribed, and the types of opioids that are administered to patients. Additionally, patients should be educated on safe storage and disposal practices.
Recover from opioid addiction
Opioids are powerful drugs that not only numb pain, but also produce a euphoric high. Its prolonged use can cause tolerance and dependence. Opioid addiction can ruin a person’s life and affect their psychological and physical health in a number of ways.
They also increase the risk of discord in relationships, loss of productivity at work and school due to daytime sleepiness and absenteeism, as well as incidents of drunk driving, unsafe sexual practices and violence. It is important for a person addicted to opioids to seek the support of a certified drug abuse clinic and take advantage of the best drug abuse facilities as soon as possible.