Managing Pain Responsibly
Aspirus Shares Tips on Avoiding Opioid Misuse
9/20/2024
Dr. Kirk Klemme, Aspirus Addiction Medicine Physician
The opioid crisis
has undergone a dramatic transformation over the past decade, shifting from an
issue primarily related to prescription painkillers to a broad public health
emergency now driven by heroin and the highly potent fentanyl. According to
recent data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC),
synthetic opioids, primarily fentanyl, were involved in nearly 70 percent of
all opioid overdose deaths in 2023, underscoring the severity of the current
crisis.
"The opioid
epidemic began with excessive painkiller prescriptions, partly driven by
aggressive pharmaceutical marketing," explains Kirk Klemme,
MD, Addiction Medicine Physician at Aspirus Health. "As regulations
tightened, heroin use surged, and now fentanyl, which is incredibly potent and
deadly, dominates the crisis."
In response to this
evolving crisis, Dr. Klemme advocates for a bio-psycho-social approach to pain
management, which addresses the physical, psychological, and social aspects of
a patient’s condition.
“Exercise, weight
loss, and addressing trauma are important,” he advises. “Opioids should be
considered a last resort due to the risks of tolerance, dependence, and
addiction. Often, over-the-counter medications like acetaminophen or ibuprofen
can be more effective than opioids.”
When an opioid
prescription is deemed necessary by a health care provider, vigilant monitoring
for early signs of misuse is essential. Behaviors such as seeking early
refills, hoarding pills, or obtaining drugs from non-prescribed sources can be
red flags. “We closely monitor these indicators through pill counts and
unexpected follow-up appointments,” Dr. Klemme explains.
Addressing the
stigma surrounding addiction is key to fostering a supportive environment for
those in need. “We all face struggles, and addiction is no different. It’s
important to support individuals seeking help and assist them in their recovery
journey with compassion,” Dr. Klemme emphasizes.
Opioid Awareness Day
on September 21 is an opportunity to reflect on the ongoing crisis and commit
to safer pain management practices. Aspirus Health is here to provide support
and resources. If you or someone you know needs assistance, we encourage you to
speak with your primary care provider. Dedicated medical professionals,
including Dr. Klemme, are available to offer guidance and work with you to find
effective solutions.
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