Alternatives for Pain Management
In light of increased abuse of opioid painkillers, many health researchers and experts are bringing attention to alternative methods of managing severe or constant pain. The links below highlight some of that information.
SAMHSA - Rx Pain Medications "Know Your Options"
Overview - Although prescription pain medications can be effective at treating certain types of pain, there are different treatment options and therapies available. Whether one approach is safer and more effective than another will depend on your unique situation.
Highlights - This publication from the federal Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) discusses various pain management approaches, including acupuncture, chiropractic therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, massage therapy, meditation and relaxation, physical therapy and yoga.
Know Your Pain Meds
Overview – A webpage for preventing prescription drug abuse and creating awareness in Nevada.
Highlights – The page provides useful facts on opioids and how they affect every part of the body as well as information on opioid antagonists such as Naloxone. The page also has suggested alternatives to opioids such as exercise, physical therapy as well as different type of medications. Under the Get Help tab there are links to services if therapy, intervention, or other types of treatment. There is a link to the Nevada Board of Pharmacy for information on prescription monitoring. Relevant news articles regarding opioids in both Nevada and across the United States are also made available.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Patient Education
Overview – The patient page provides information, for individuals living with chronic pain, related to the risks and benefits of using prescription opioids. The page explains the options, expectations, warnings and FAQs relating to the use of opioids.
Highlights – There are vast visual resources including .pdfs and infographics explaining tips on preventing overdoses and living with chronic pain among other topics. Within the Rx Awareness tab there is also an extensive library of online videos and radio spots that share the stories of people impacted by prescription opioids. The resources available include social media and online ads created by the CDC that explain the breadth of the opioid epidemic. Information on treatment as well as resources for family and friends can also be found.
Federal Resources for Rural Communities to Help Address Substance Use Disorder and Opioid Misuse
In May 2018, the Office of National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP) stood up a Rural Opioid Federal Interagency Working Group to help address the opioid crisis by improving coordination of and reducing potential overlap among the Federal responses in the Nation’s rural communities. The IWG is co-chaired by ONDCP and USDA. This document is the first output, a guide to the resources that can help make a difference in your communities.