In 2016, the National Safety Council identified 6 key actions states could take to address the opioid crisis including: improving provider education, implementing prescribing guidelines, improving their prescription drug monitoring programs (PDMPs), enhancing data sharing ability, improving treatment
The National Safety Council produced this report on the collaborative efforts of stakeholders in Madison-Dane County, Wisconsin to address prescription drug addiction and overdoses in their community. The report describes how the stakeholders implemented 4 strategies aimed at reducing access to prescription
One strategy for improving safe opioid prescribing is to have the patient and the health care provider enter into a prescription pain medication agreement. This sample agreement from SAMHSA can be used as is or adapted as needed.
This one page document for health care providers provides guidance about how to talk to patients about pain management and opioids.
A one page document for patients and caregivers with information about the risks of prescription medications for children and guidance for how to safely store medications in the home.
This one page document for health care providers lists the facts about opioid use disorder and provides suggestions for how providers can reduce the use and misuse of opioids and reduce overdoses.
This one page document explains to patients the risks of opioid pain medications and provides tips for talking to health care providers about opioids and pain management.
This one page document explains prescription drug monitoring programs (PDMPs) to patients with answers to questions about what are PDMPs, why are they used, and how is patient privacy protected.
This one page document includes information about substances and medications that can cause dangerous interactions with prescription opioids. According to this resource, patients are advised to avoid mixing prescription pain medication with alcohol, antihistamines, cough syrup, barbituates, benzodiazepines, and general anesthetics.
This one page resource provides a helpful table of common opioids and their corresponding brand and street/slang names.