Among the steps taken by different states to curb opioid addiction in the United States, North Carolina and Oregon have now joined the group of 43 other states participating in the prescription monitoring program (PMP) and data sharing system of the National Association of Boards of Pharmacy (NABP) known as NABP PMP InterConnect. The secure network of NABP PMP allows authorized prescribers and pharmacists to access information about the patients prescribed some controlled substance across different states.
These states aim to curb opioid epidemic rampant across the country by reducing prescription drug misuse. The NABP PMP InterConnect has been hailed as an important tool in the fight against opioid crisis. It will enable the identification and prevention of drug abuse and addiction. Moreover, it can help in determining people using prescription opioids for recreational purposes. The tool offers a safe way to exchange information. This has lessened the increased burden on the states to identify the gaps responsible for escalating opioid crisis, especially in the light of declaration of the problem as a public health emergency.
Advantages of NABP PMP InterConnect
Such prescription drug monitoring programs have been reported as an effective tool to fight against opioid abuse by the President’s Commission on Combating Drug Addiction and the Opioid Crisis in the U.S. NABP PMP InterConnect, a first-of-its-kind drug monitoring program, has been functioning since 2011. By seamlessly integrating the majority of the states in the system, it also increases the scope of highlighting any misuse of prescription drugs.
One of the major plus points related to NABP PMP InterConnect is the ease of access. Reportedly, it is available to the participating states free of cost, beneficial for spreading awareness. Currently, it processes as many as 15 million requests and sends somewhere around 18.5 million responses every month. Undoubtedly, this is will keep increasing in the coming time.
Repercussions of opioid abuse
Opioids are a class of drugs that are commonly prescribed to relieve pain. It generally include a range of pain-alleviating drugs considered safe to use when used as per the prescription. But, one must remember that the misuse of these drugs can lead to adverse consequences, sometimes even death due to overdosing. The persistent abuse of opioids over a long period can lead to addiction due to the development of increased tolerance. Therefore, it is important to be careful while using such medications. One should take only those medicines prescribed by the doctor. Some of the common symptoms that signify the development of opioid addiction in an individual are as follows:
- Inability to coordinate properly
- Drowsiness
- Feeling of nausea
- Vomiting
- Agitation
- Poor decision-making
- Slurred speech
- Mood swings
- Irritability
- Anxiety attacks
In case someone notices the presence of any of these symptoms in an individual, it is important to seek immediate medical help. It is essential to consult a medical expert who can guide the patient about the right form of treatment, which is usually a mix of medications and therapies. A holistic treatment program, integrating all types of approaches and focusing on different aspects of a person, is the best way to fight drug addiction and lead a healthy life once again.
Road to recovery
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), opioids (including prescription opioids, heroin, and fentanyl) were responsible for the death of more than 42,000 people in 2016. Approximately 40 percent of all opioid overdose deaths were caused due to prescription opioids. Therefore, it is the need of the hour to take firm decisions and form more networks like NABP PMP to ensure a better monitoring of opioid abuse and addiction. It is also essential to spread awareness about the repercussions of opioid abuse to avoid the worsening of the symptoms.
If you or someone you know is addicted to any form of prescription drugs and looking for information about some of the best prescription drug rehab centers, contact the Prescription Drug Abuse Helpline for help. Call at our 24/7 prescription drug abuse helpline 866-450-1557 or chat online with one of our experts to connect with some of the inpatient prescription drug rehab centers in your vicinity.