A Public Health Crisis
Opioid misuse and overdoses are on the rise. 2004-2014 in Washington, heroin overdose deaths increased most among people 15-34 years old. A statewide survey of needle exchange clients found 57% of people who inject heroin were first addicted to prescription opioids.
This issue spans all age groups and demographics. It’s a complex problem and requires a multi-faceted solution. As healthcare providers, you play an important role.
Resources
Prescription monitoring
Prescribing guidelines
Other
- UW Pain and Opioid Consult Hotline, 1-844-520-PAIN (7246).
- Local medication-assisted treatment (MAT) providers. Washington Recovery Helpline
- Pain and opioid consult hotline. Washington State Health Care Authority
- UW TelePain—Weekly consultation with pain specialists to help manage challenging chronic pain cases.
- Naloxone (Narcan) prescribing. stopoverdose.org
- Patient guide on opioid risks with provider considerations for medication tapering. U.S. Department of Veteran’s Affairs
Patient materials
- About Prescription Opioids.
- Opioid overdose brochure (also available in Spanish).
- Medication takeback locations.
- Naloxone (Narcan) information.
- Washington Recovery Helpline.
- Narcotics Anonymous Meetings.
- 211—find local resources.
Screening, brief intervention & referral to treatment
Implementing SBIRT in your practice
SBIRT Oregon offers an online video training and other resources to address alcohol, drug use and depression with patients.
Screening forms
SBIRT Oregon offers screening forms in 7 languages, including editable versions.
- Brief screening form—Screen adults for alcohol, drug use and depression.
- Adult drug screening questionnaire.
- Teen health screen—Screen youth for alcohol, drug use and depression.
- Pregnant and postpartum patients—Screen for tobacco, alcohol, drug use, depression and intimate partner violence.