In recent years, we have heard much talk about the Opioid abuse problems in America. According to Anonymous (2015), as of 2010, opioid-related deaths accounted for 60% of all overdoses and drug overdose deaths outnumbered motor vehicle deaths in 2009. Programs are being started to get naloxone kits into the hands of lay people to help prevent death due to an opioid overdose. The providers in the state of Virginia, where I live and practice, are starting to search national registries before prescribing opioids to patients. However, this is long overdue.
This problem has been present in all my 24 years working in the Emergency Department. In the early 1990’s the narcotic of choice was Tylenol #3, then Vicodin in the mid 90’s. Percocet was a
This problem has been present in all my 24 years working in the Emergency Department. In the early 1990’s the narcotic of choice was Tylenol #3, then Vicodin in the mid 90’s. Percocet was a