{"id":2450,"date":"2023-04-24T00:00:00","date_gmt":"2023-04-24T05:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/mdbc2.wpenginepowered.com\/blog\/national-prescription-drug-take-back-day\/"},"modified":"2023-04-24T00:00:00","modified_gmt":"2023-04-24T05:00:00","slug":"national-prescription-drug-take-back-day","status":"publish","type":"blog","link":"https:\/\/www.mdbriefcase.com\/fr\/blog\/national-prescription-drug-take-back-day\/","title":{"rendered":"National Prescription Drug Take Back Day"},"content":{"rendered":"

Opioid misuse is a public health crisis in many countries, which has led to a high rate of overdose deaths and addiction. During the COVID-19 pandemic, deaths from accidental overdose increased in Canada\u00a0<\/span>by 91 percent<\/span><\/a> from April 2020 to March 2022.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

National prescription drug return programs can reduce and prevent opioid misuse and addiction. Healthcare providers also play a critical role in prevention and effective pain management practices.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Understanding the Opioid Epidemic\u00a0<\/b><\/h2>\n

Since surveillance began in 2016, the rates of opioid addiction and\u00a0<\/span>related deaths<\/span><\/a> in Canada have steadily increased. There are a few key factors.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Causes of Misuse<\/b><\/h3>\n

Opioid medications are important for acute and palliative pain management and sometimes chronic pain. However, these medications have a high potential for misuse because they produce euphoria and are addictive. Certain factors increase the risk.<\/span><\/p>\n

Overprescribing is a chief\u00a0factor <\/span>in misuse<\/span><\/a> and includes high doses and long-term prescribing.\u00a0Once patients develop a physical dependence, they may also engage in double doctoring.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

These patients switch between doctors, nurses, and pharmacists to get multiple prescriptions or until they find one willing to prescribe opioids. This leads to overprescribing, especially in areas without drug monitoring systems, and to prescription fraud.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Untreated or poorly managed mental illness is also a factor. Patients may seek out opioids or turn to illicit drugs for euphoria, to improve mood, or to cope with stress.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Best Practices for Opioid Misuse Prescribing\u00a0<\/b><\/h2>\n

As a healthcare provider, you play a critical role in misuse prevention. One of the most important elements is appropriate prescribing practices, from managing pain with other methods to trial dosing and close patient monitoring.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Current Guidelines<\/b><\/h3>\n

Opioid\u00a0<\/span>prescribing guidelines<\/span><\/a> went into effect in Canada in 2017 and outline the best approach to prescribing opioids and at what doses.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

These guidelines apply to non-cancer, chronic pain:<\/span><\/p>\n