HOW TO HANDLE PATIENTS DEALING WITH

SUBSTANCE MISUSE
Opiates are common drugs used for pain management in cases of post-
operation care, a form of end-of-life palliative care, amongst other cases.
However, with the recent Opioid Epidemic, it is important to be aware of
prescription advisories for patients to safely manage medication.

OPIOIDS ARE NOT ALWAYS THE BEST WAY TO

MANAGE PAIN
The usage of non-pharmacological treatment as well as non-opioid
pharmacological treatments often work just as well to alleviate pain of patients.

Vs

According to the Centers for Disease Control, other medications may work better than opioids,
such as acetaminophen, ibuprofen, naproxen, pregabalin and other epileptic medications, as well
as physical therapy and exercise.
Source: https://www.cdc.gov/drugoverdose/pdf/AHA-Patient-Opioid-Factsheet-a.pdf

BASIC WARNING SIGNS

Knowing the warning signs of patients that are under the
influence of an opiate can save their life in the future.

COMMON WARNING SIGNS

ACCORDING TO JOHNS HOPKINS MEDICINE ...
The inability to control opioid use
Uncontrollable cravings
Drowsiness
Changes in sleep habits
Weight loss
Frequent flu-like symptoms
Decreased libido
Lack of hygiene
Changes in exercise habits
Isolation from family or friends
Stealing from family, friends or businesses
New financial difficulties
Source: https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/opioids/signs-of-opioid-abuse.html

PRESCRIPTION ADVISORIES

IF ON MEDICATION, IF PRESCRIBING WHEN OPIOIDS ARE NO

BEGIN LOWERING OPIOIDS, USE LONGER NEEDED FOR
DOSAGE LITTLE BY IMMEDIATE RELEASE ACUTE PAIN,
LITTLE. MEDICATION. DISCONTINUE USE.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION...

The CDC prescription guide lists
most main information that was
not covered in this graphic.
Please visit the link or scan the
QR code to the right to access
this guide.
CDC Guidelines for Prescribing Opioids for Chronic Pain
https://www.cdc.gov/drugoverdose/pdf/prescribing/Gui
delines_Factsheet-a.pdf
Sources:
https://www.cdc.gov/drugoverdose/pdf/AHA-Patient-Opioid-Factsheet-a.pdf
https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/opioids/signs-of-opioid-abuse.html
https://www.cdc.gov/drugoverdose/pdf/prescribing/Guidelines_Factsheet-a.pdf
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