An Evidence-Based Approach to Prevention of Opioid Misuse, Opioid Use Disorder, and Opioid Overdose
Abstract
Background: A sharp increase in the number of Georgians suffering from opioid use disorder (OUD) has led to an array of health and social problems commonly referred to as the opioid crisis. Preventing new cases of opioid misuse and OUD while simultaneously preventing opioid overdoses is necessary to comprehensively address this public health emergency in Georgia. Opioid settlement funds have been made available that could enhance these interventions.
Methods: The efforts needed to address the opioid crisis are vast and include a wide range of interventions across the continuum of care, which include prevention, harm reduction, treatment, and recovery. A portfolio of policies and interventions will be needed. This presentation will provide a brief overview of the evolution of the opioid crisis in Georgia then focus on evidence-based strategies and promising approaches to prevent opioid misuse, OUD, and opioid overdose.
Results: OUD and opioid overdose deaths are preventable. In the levels of prevention framework, primary prevention aims to reduce the incidence of opioid misuse and OUD. Evidence-based approaches include interventions that promote more cautious opioid prescribing, increase prescription opioid safety, and target youth prevention of prescription misuse, and promising approaches include community-level investments and communication campaigns. Tertiary prevention aims to reduce opioid-related harms, including preventing opioid overdoses. Evidence-based approaches to prevent opioid overdoses include targeted naloxone distribution, medications for OUD, and promoting Good Samaritan Laws, while promising approaches include general naloxone distribution and drug checking tools, such as fentanyl test strips. Georgia will receive around $1 billion over the next two decades in opioid settlement funds and has committed to using this money to address the state’s opioid crisis.
Conclusion: There are evidence-based and promising strategies to prevent opioid misuse, OUD, and opioid overdoses. With the incoming opioid settlement funds, Georgia has an unprecedented opportunity to build, enhance, and sustain these prevention interventions.
Keywords
opioid crisis, opioid use disorder, opioid misuse, heroin, fentanyl, prescription opioids, naloxone
Conflict of Interest Form
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An Evidence-Based Approach to Prevention of Opioid Misuse, Opioid Use Disorder, and Opioid Overdose
Background: A sharp increase in the number of Georgians suffering from opioid use disorder (OUD) has led to an array of health and social problems commonly referred to as the opioid crisis. Preventing new cases of opioid misuse and OUD while simultaneously preventing opioid overdoses is necessary to comprehensively address this public health emergency in Georgia. Opioid settlement funds have been made available that could enhance these interventions.
Methods: The efforts needed to address the opioid crisis are vast and include a wide range of interventions across the continuum of care, which include prevention, harm reduction, treatment, and recovery. A portfolio of policies and interventions will be needed. This presentation will provide a brief overview of the evolution of the opioid crisis in Georgia then focus on evidence-based strategies and promising approaches to prevent opioid misuse, OUD, and opioid overdose.
Results: OUD and opioid overdose deaths are preventable. In the levels of prevention framework, primary prevention aims to reduce the incidence of opioid misuse and OUD. Evidence-based approaches include interventions that promote more cautious opioid prescribing, increase prescription opioid safety, and target youth prevention of prescription misuse, and promising approaches include community-level investments and communication campaigns. Tertiary prevention aims to reduce opioid-related harms, including preventing opioid overdoses. Evidence-based approaches to prevent opioid overdoses include targeted naloxone distribution, medications for OUD, and promoting Good Samaritan Laws, while promising approaches include general naloxone distribution and drug checking tools, such as fentanyl test strips. Georgia will receive around $1 billion over the next two decades in opioid settlement funds and has committed to using this money to address the state’s opioid crisis.
Conclusion: There are evidence-based and promising strategies to prevent opioid misuse, OUD, and opioid overdoses. With the incoming opioid settlement funds, Georgia has an unprecedented opportunity to build, enhance, and sustain these prevention interventions.
