The Opioid Epidemic: A Review of the Contributing Factors, Negative Consequences, and Best Practices

Abstract

The opioid epidemic is a significant public health crisis that has caused extensive harm and devastation in the United States. This literature review aimed to identify the contributing factors and negative consequences of the epidemic, as well as best practices for healthcare providers in managing the epidemic. Overprescribing opiates and opioids, lack of education and opportunity, and being unmarried or divorced were some of the identified contributing factors to dependence on opioids. The epidemic's negative consequences are substantial, leading to increased access to opioids for vulnerable populations, which consequently cause accidental death among men and the degradation of rural community health services. As part of the literature review, we also analyzed the best practices for healthcare providers, including implementing prescription drug monitoring programs (PDMPs). However, we found that while PDMPs resulted in a decrease in opioid overprescription and an increase in provider confidence when prescribing medication, the evidence for their effectiveness in improving rural community health services or reducing opioid overdoses and opioid-related deaths was inconclusive. Our review highlights that the greatest challenge to overcome is a lack of legal mandates and proper education for healthcare providers on best practices for addressing the epidemic. To regulate and control opioids effectively, tracking and standardizing prescription models by federal agencies and medical institutions is necessary but not enough. Legal action is vital for the successful containment of the opioid crisis.

Pain Management Throughout Pediatric Laparoscopic Appendectomy: A Systematic Review

“…Accidental deaths are the fourth highest cause of death, and the leading cause of accidental death is drug overdose in the United States [1]. The main drug of choice in these accidental deaths is opioids [1].…”

“…Accidental deaths are the fourth highest cause of death, and the leading cause of accidental death is drug overdose in the United States [1]. The main drug of choice in these accidental deaths is opioids [1]. In 1803, morphine was extracted from opium and changed how pain control was managed in modern medicine [2].…”

“…It was not until later in the 19th century that German physician Dr. Eduard Livenstein accurately described opiate addiction [2]. Seventy-one percent of opioid-related deaths occur in the 25-34 years of age group, with most victims being males [1]. Caucasians, Alaskan Natives, and Native Americans are the most at risk [1].…”

“…Seventy-one percent of opioid-related deaths occur in the 25-34 years of age group, with most victims being males [1]. Caucasians, Alaskan Natives, and Native Americans are the most at risk [1].…”

Opioid Prescription and Long-Term Survival Outcomes in Adults: A Nationwide Cohort Study in Korea

“…Opioids are among the most common analgesics prescribed as they are potent pain relievers. 1 However, their prescription has been associated with the risk of dependence and addiction, 2 contributing to the current global opioid epidemic. 3 A recent study reported that the risk of opioid abuse and dependence was the highest in six countries, namely Australia, Canada, France, Germany, United Kingdom, and United States, 4 suggesting that the opioid epidemic is currently one of the most important public health issues.…”