INTRODUCTION
Controlled substances (CS) are used to treat many medical conditions but are associated with risks to patients and society. 1-4 Research suggests that the potential for misuse of non-opioid medications is under appreciated by heath care providers (HCPs). 5-8 Although most overdose deaths still involve opioids, 9 polysubstance involvement is on the rise and includes prescription stimulants, benzodiazepines, and sedative-hypnotics. 6-8 Misuse of any prescription drug is a serious problem, and that includes opioid and non- opioid CS. 1-4,10
Actions aimed at containing the societal opioid crisis have paralleled increased prescription rates for non- opioid CS, 11,12 some of which are recommended as first-line agents for pain treatment. 13 Despite these efforts, reductions in opioid prescriptions 14 have not seen a corresponding drop in overdose drug deaths in the United States. 9 At the same time, interest in non- opioid CS has grown: prescriptions for stimulants have risen sharply, and benzodiazepines are among the most commonly prescribed CS (Figure 1). 4 An analysis
based on a single commercial insurance provider found a “concerning” 5-fold rise in stimulant use over 15 years (2004-2019). 4 Figure 1. Trends for Most Commonly Dispensed Controlled Substances in US Commercially-Insured Adults (January 2004 to June 2019)* Figure 1. Trends for Most Commonly Dispensed Controlled Substances in US Commercially- Insured Adults (January 2004 to June 2019)*
*Based on de-idenIfied longitudinal claims data on beneficiaries of a large US employer-sponsored commercial health insurance provider and covers approximately 9 million individuals ages 19 to 64 years in any given month across all 50 states. *Based on de-identified longitudinal claims data on beneficiaries of a large US employer-sponsored commercial health insurance provider and covers approximately 9 million individuals ages 19 to 64 years in any given month across all 50 states.
Opioid-use disorder (OUD) can develop with opioid medication use, significantly affecting quality of life. Yet, significant barriers prevent broad access to treatment for OUD, despite strong evidence that treatment with medications approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for OUD reduces morbidity and mortality. 15 Fewer than a third of people with OUD receive treatment, and those who do often wait years to begin. 15,16 Additional barriers include stigma, lack of professional education and training related to the evidence base for using medication to treat OUD, and a fragmentary health care system that does not incentivize best care. 15
To appropriately manage patients while minimizing diversion and misuse, HCPS must stay abreast of the existing and evolving laws, regulations, and policies that govern CS prescribing and to comply with all requirements. 17 To improve patient outcomes and minimize misuse, HCPs should aim to recognize the signs and symptoms of appropriate medical indications for prescribed CS. 5,17 This activity is designed to educate HCPs about select controlled substances as required by the State of Tennessee. Introduction to Controlled Substances Drugs or medications with the potential for misuse and a high risk of resulting in substance-use disorder
Book Code: TN24CME
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