THE OPIOID CRISIS: COMPREHENSIVE APPROACHES TO PREVENTION AND TREATMENT
Sungjemrenla I Jamir1, Shiny Ahmed2, Priyam Jyoti Das1, Pdiangmon Kyndait1, Juganta Kumar Kalita1, Sandip Mandal1, Moksood Ahmed Laskar1
1Faculty of Pharmaceutical Science, Assam Down Town University, Sankar Madhab Path, Gandhi Nagar, Panikhaiti, Guwahati – 781026, Assam, India2Royal School of Pharmacy, The Assam Royal Global University, NH-37, Betkuchi, Guwahati – 781035, Assam, India.
ABSTRACT: The opioid crisis represents a deep public health emergency driven by abuse both of prescription and illicit opioids, leading to accelerating rates of addiction, overdose, and mortality. The review summarizes the complex nature of the epidemic, moving from historical roots to current trends through an array of deployed strategies in combating the various effects. This review therefore emphasizes that, in emphasizing evidence-based prevention techniques, innovative treatment modalities, and comprehensive policy initiatives, reducing harm from opioids requires a multi-faceted approach. Key response elements include access expansion to medication-assisted treatments, use of intensive prescription monitoring programs, and inspiration of community-based policies and practices that address the root socioeconomic causes of poor health. Further, the review brings to light that healthcare professionals, and more so pharmacists, play a very important role in the education of the patients, management of prescriptions, and provision for rescue-type interventions, such as naloxone. This review is an advocate for a multiagency approach that involves health, education, and social services with the hope that this may shed light on effective intervention and recovery options against the backcloth of the current opioid crisis. Eventually, these observations call for continuous research, changes in policy, and community dedication in relation to the many problems produced by this crisis.
KEYWORDS: Opioid Crisis, Opioid Addiction, Prescription Opioids, Addiction Treatment, Substance Use Disorder