Safer Prescription Opioid Use in the Greater Danbury Area

Loo, Ying K.

Item

Safer Prescription Opioid Use in the Greater Danbury Area

Loo, Ying K.

License

http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

Abstract

Opioid use disorder continues to be a major public health concern worldwide, with over 16 million people affected, and is associated with increased health care costs, reduced quality of life, lost productivity, and loss of life due to opioid overdose deaths. The neurobiology and susceptibility for opioid dependence and addiction is not well-understood by patients, and the lack of understanding of the safe use of prescription opioid regarding its intended effect of pain-relief versus other potential side effects and withdrawal symptoms may lead to misuse. This community health improvement project aims to empower patients and their family members to better understand indications for opioid use, improve awareness of potential for addiction, how to recognize signs and symptoms of misuse, and how to manage their opioid use through safe storage and disposal practices.