In Washington, 68 percent of deaths from drug overdose involved opioids in the last 15 years. We need to confront that much of this crisis is the result of prescribed opioids as a means to alleviate severe pain, and the lack of nonaddictive alternatives for severe pain that previously existed.
Thankfully, the first oral nonopioid treatment for severe pain is likely to be approved this year. This news provides hope for so many struggling to manage pain and will prevent countless future addictions, abuses and overdoses. It’s critical that nonaddictive nonopioids for severe pain are made available to all patients.
Such a significant development in our fight against the opioid epidemic warrants legislative action. The bipartisan Alternatives to Prevent Addiction in the Nation Act in Congress offers a model for legislators here.
The Alternatives to PAIN Act will combat opioid abuse by ensuring these nonaddictive alternatives are accessible to Medicare patients and cost no more than more addictive, generic opioid pain medicines. In tandem with this national approach, Washington should enact a similar model for Medicaid recipients, or push for broader education about nonaddictive alternatives.
Patients deserve safe options. It’s essential that lawmakers act quickly to make treatments accessible.
