Thoughts on the Opioid Crisis? One death every 5 min...

[Miranda Belcher]

One person dies every 5 minutes from an opioid-related death. That's about 280 Americans per day. I personally think the problem is too large for any political solution, considering no matter who is in charge, the problem continues to escalate. What are the solutions to the opioid crisis?

[Laila Ighani]

I think pharmaceutical companies are largely to blame, but providers who prescribe drugs without even suggesting other solutions are also responsible. That said, pointing fingers isn't going to solve anything. Since nurses play such an important role in patient education, I think the nurse-patient relationship offers a great opportunity to promote awareness of this growing problem. That's how change really comes about: One person at a time!

[Karin Zonneveld]

I feel you, @Laila Ighani!
I also think depression is at every corner lately, and finding an easy way out is just something we crave for.

Nurses are, indeed, so important for providing empathy for patients, as having options and friends can help alleviate the crisis a bit.

I really hope these numbers go down in the next few years...

[Miranda Belcher]

On 9/6/2024 at 6:53 PM, Laila Ighani said:

I think pharmaceutical companies are largely to blame, but providers who prescribe drugs without even suggesting other solutions are also responsible. That said, pointing fingers isn't going to solve anything. Since nurses play such an important role in patient education, I think the nurse-patient relationship offers a great opportunity to promote awareness of this growing problem. That's how change really comes about: One person at a time!

I definitely agree as most addicts start out by taking prescription opioids from a provider. The fentanyl deaths are the most alarming trend and sadly it's made in labs and also mailed into the country through China - which means the vast majority of these deaths are no longer related to prescribed opioids 😞 I admire the nurses and healthcare responders who are going into the most affected areas with Narcan and saving lives.

[Karin Zonneveld]

30 minutes ago, Miranda Belcher said:

I definitely agree as most addicts start out by taking prescription opioids from a provider. The fentanyl deaths are the most alarming trend and sadly it's made in labs and also mailed into the country through China - which means the vast majority of these deaths are no longer related to prescribed opioids 😞 I admire the nurses and healthcare responders who are going into the most affected areas with Narcan and saving lives.

Fentanyl is causing an alarming rise in deaths