ExamOne, a Quest Diagnostics Company’s Post

For the first time in five years, overdose-related deaths have declined, according to new preliminary data released from the National Center for Health Statistics. While the report itself didn’t offer specific reasons for the drop, there are some correlations that can be reached. Naloxone, which helps reverse an opioid overdose, has become more widely accessible, with over 22 million doses distributed across North America. Other harm reduction practices like fentanyl test strip distribution also play a role. However, there’s still much to do, as the report also noted that overdose-related deaths from stimulant use rose over the past year. Read more about the preliminary data and the state of the substance use epidemic here - https://ow.ly/y9ZX50RP0pJ

Alert: The Growing Danger of Polysubstance Abuse in 2024 Overdose deaths involving methamphetamine, psychostimulants, and synthetic opioids like fentanyl continue to rise. A critical factor in many of these cases is polysubstance abuse, where multiple substances are used together, often leading to unpredictable and amplified effects. The CDC reports that over half of all overdose deaths now involve multiple substances. This trend highlights the need for increased awareness and preventive measures in tackling this complex and evolving challenge. #SubstanceAbuseAwareness #OverdosePrevention #HealthAlert #ValleySpringRecovery

Tomorrow is Overdose Awareness Day, and with the opioid crisis still affecting our communities, it’s vital to be aware of the signs of a potential overdose and when to call the paramedics. Call paramedics immediately if someone is: - Having a seizure - Experiencing chest pain - Struggling to breathe - Becomes agitated, confused, or paranoid - Develops a severe headache Early intervention is critical; even with one or two of these symptoms, a call to 911 could save a life. Want to be proactive? At Stafford Pharmacy you can pick up a Take Home Naloxone Kit to quickly respond to an opioid overdose and add valuable time while you wait for paramedics! https://lnkd.in/g7HF9w8M #StaffordPharmacy

An adult should carry Narcan for their loved ones in case of an opioid overdose emergency. Narcan is a medication that can reverse the effects of an opioid overdose and potentially save someone's life. In a situation where emergency services may not be immediately available, having access to Narcan can be crucial in providing immediate assistance to a loved one who may be experiencing an overdose. Additionally, carrying Narcan can provide peace of mind and preparedness in the event of an emergency situation. #ViviHealth #SobrietyJourney #vivi360

Tomorrow is Overdose Awareness Day, and with the opioid crisis still affecting our communities, it’s vital to be aware of the signs of a potential overdose and when to call the paramedics. Call paramedics immediately if someone is: - Having a seizure - Experiencing chest pain - Struggling to breathe - Becomes agitated, confused, or paranoid - Develops a severe headache Early intervention is critical; even with one or two of these symptoms, a call to 911 could save a life. Want to be proactive? At Stafford Pharmacy you can pick up a Take Home Naloxone Kit to quickly respond to an opioid overdose and add valuable time while you wait for paramedics! https://lnkd.in/gSkugFjZ #StaffordPharmacy

The opioid crisis dominates the news; however, solutions are elusive. Opioids are always near the top of the list of medications causing adverse drug events. Counterfeit medications and illicit drugs are stealing the future of our youth. Join us now in the fall of 2023 to address the 5 Rights of Pain Care: The Right Tests: Undertaking the right tests and investigations. The Right Diagnosis: Making the right diagnosis of the pain generators. The Right Treatment: The right care for both the short-term and long-term pain issues. The Right Monitoring: The right continuous assessment and adjustments to pain care. The Right Prevention: The right steps for preventative maintenance to keep pain at bay.

Opioids can be a one-way ticket to disaster, and unintentional overdose can happen when pills are laced with substances like fentanyl. As of 2017, Ohio was ranked second in the nation for opioid overdose deaths. You have the power to make healthy decisions and avoid drug use. When you find yourself in a tricky situation, try one of these: - I can't, I might be tested. - No, thank you. I need to see my (trusted adult) after this.  - No, thanks - I need to focus on (sport or activity).  We know peer pressure can be difficult, so try practicing what you will say if you're offered. Source: https://lnkd.in/gGkf5vZQ #DFCAopioids #DFCAstudents #teens #drugfree #teachers #educators #druguseprevention #healthyteens #safeteens #drugfreecommunities #peerpressure #communitiesagainstdrugs #parentsagainstdrugs #makinggoodchoices #saynotodrugs #positivereinforcement #drugfreeclubs #youthdrugprevention #drugfreeschoolprograms #DrugFreeClubsofAmerica

FIGHTING FORCED OPIOID TAPERING IN AUSTRALIA. As the creator of the following Youtube video Neen Monty correctly states: "Opioids used to be commonly prescribed for the severe pain that Miller Fisher can cause. But since June 2020, in Australia, people have been forced tapered off opioids and forced into taking other medications. While they are helpful for some, for Amanda and many others medications like amitriptyline cause terrible side effects that are worse than the original disease. This is Amanda’s story as she realises what amitriptyline is doing to her life." #America #Australia #forcedtapers #opioidguidelines #deprescribing #chronicpainmanagement #noonesizefitsall #patientadvocacy #multidisciplinarycare #selfmanagement #painrelief #medicalgaslighting #undertreatedpain #prescriptionopioids #opioidcrisis #opioidepidemic #addiction #dependence #overdose #polypharmacy #opioidrestrictions #opiophobia #opioidhysteria #substanceabuse #opioidusedisorder #holisticcare #qualityoflife #humanrights #education #stopthestigma https://lnkd.in/gSHK4Fdz

Pharmacists are playing an essential role in the fight against the opioid epidemic, and in this informative guest blog post from APhA’s President Valerie Prince, she discusses ways to manage and help end this crisis and more. Read her newly published blog here: https://ow.ly/WpqV50QgQ0u #forpharmacy #opioidepidemic

Recent WaPo article highlighting many of the issues our recent work is examining in the opioid crisis https://lnkd.in/gRxahcMR