Understanding the Epidemic 3

What can be done?

We need to improve prescribing of opioids, expand treatment of addiction, and reduce access to illegal opioids.

Improve opioid prescribing to reduce exposure to opioids, prevent abuse, and stop addiction.
Expand access to evidence-based substance abuse treatment, such as Medication-Assisted Treatment, for people already struggling with opioid addiction.
Expand access and use of naloxone—a safe antidote to reverse opioid overdose.
Promote the use of state prescription drug monitoring programs, which give health care providers information to improve patient safety and prevent abuse.
Implement and strengthen state strategies that help prevent high-risk prescribing and prevent opioid overdose.
Improve detection of the trends of illegal opioid use by working with state and local public health agencies, medical examiners and coroners, and law enforcement.