opioids

Experts believe the precipitous rise was driven by abuse of the synthetic opioid fentanyl, as well as the COVID-19 pandemic, which has left many drug users feeling isolated and unable to get treatment or other support. Fentanyl is believed to be much more potent than heroin and morphine.

Learn about reducing the risk of opioids overdose Dec. 16 at 1 p.m. ET. The webinar will provide actions community providers can take.

A passionate team of Reno pharmacists is on the forefront of the VA Opioid Overdose Education and Naloxone Distribution Program. They educate Veterans on the importance of overdose rescue kits.

The COVID-19 pandemic has increased concerns among health care professionals about the abuse of opioids by Americans. There is no doubt that the past twelve months have created significant stressors which may impact individuals who must use opioids for pain management and those with substance abuse issues. But Veterans and their families can be assured that VA is a leader in the national effort to reduce opioid dependency and lower opioid prescribing.

Veterans with chronic pain are replacing opioid pain medications with yoga, acupuncture, and other Whole Health approaches to care. Report reveals promising findings associated with Whole Health.

Air Force Veteran AJ Ethridge Jr. talks about the drastic improvement in his life since conquering a decade-long addiction to opioids. He now says there’s hope for anyone living with pain.

A recent study found that non-drug therapies given to service members with chronic pain may reduce the risk of long-term adverse outcomes, such as alcohol and drug disorder or suicide attempts.

VHA and Cigna will work together to educate clinicians, develop tools to decrease risk, and improve treatment methods, all targeted to the safer prescribing of opioids for Veterans in pain.

Here’s a special VA program that offers Veterans with chronic pain an alternative to the use of drugs such as opioids. It’s virtual reality with a headset or scenic settings on a large screen.

“It's never too late to make a difference and go back to learn and grow,” said retired Army Vaster Sergeant and former Delta Force operator Norman Hooten, who is now serving as a pharmacist at VA.

It's important to continue to improve Veterans' access to a full range of treatments to continue to improve the quality of evidence that guides VA's approach to multimodal pain care.

VA, VFW and Walgreens will work together to reach Veterans in communities across the country with targeted initiatives to address mental health awareness and treatment, Veteran suicide prevention and opioid overdose education.