Online Program

Oral

This session will focus on the issue of iatrogenic dependence upon prescription opioids and the increasing number of individuals who are turning to heroin use. There is growing evidence that prescription monitoring initiatives may result in many patients being abruptly discontinued from care, with no follow-up from the treating physician. Patients who no longer have access to prescribed opiates may turn to illicit sources of opiates, including heroin. Policy recommendations have included expanding access to treatment and medications, increasing availability of overdose prevention kits; as well as educating prescribers to keep the patients in the medical setting and provide direct dependence treatment, or refer the patient to a dependence treatment alternative. This session will explore research on treatment of opiate addiction, access to care, and innovative approaches to intervention and treatment engagement.

Session Objectives: Discuss the public health policy and service implications of people iatrogenically dependent upon prescription opioids and the increase in IVDU of heroin.

CE Credits: Medical (CME), Health Education (CHES), Nursing (CNE), Public Health (CPH)