Relevance and Importance of Opioid Use

RELEVANCE AND IMPORTANCE OF OPIOID USE
There is widespread use of opioid us in America with around 8%-12% having
developed opioid use disorder and dependencies. In the previous years, there has
been a gradual increase in usage prevalence rate across the population by 30%
from July 2016 through September 2017. This has been highlighted by various
administrations. According to president TRUMP, creation of nationwide Medicare
work requirements which save the taxpayers money. Further, he has categorically
elaborated three-prong avenues of tackling the issue. These include avenues such
as decrease of illegal prescription, reducing the supply and availability in the market
and lastly being accountable to those fighting the addiction through supportive care.
During President Trump administration, the focus has shifted towards continue
cooperation among various stakeholders on developing appropriate procedures for
seeking treatment and treatment protocols.
Both administrations have elaborated and showed commitment to fighting opioid
use and addiction problems in America.
LEGISLATION NEEDED
With the concerted efforts by the various administrations on management issues
concerning opioid drug use, there is a need for proper legislation to guide on the
overall guideline on how to manage opioid availability use and addiction among the
populations. The policy framework is essential to elaborate on a broad-based
framework which addresses drug use, availability and trade affairs and management
of addiction among the population. an effective legislative law is essential and
crucial in enhancing how to manage usage and procedures guiding prescription
practices across the country. Further, the legislation will guide on health promotion
and education avenues across the populations advising on harmful use of opioid use
and its effects on health.
ROLE OF NURSES IN HEALTH CARE SETTING
Nurses play a vital role in the health care setting towards the management of drug
addiction. Nurses have an imperative duty to engage users of opioid drug addiction
and understand patient needs. The need for upholding patient safety and quality of
care is crucial in the nursing practice. Nurses have an inherent role in engagement.
Nurses provide patient comfort, develop positive nurse-patient relation, and utilize
leadership roles, increase awareness and implementing addiction screening tools.
Furthermore, nurses get involved in various programs such as participation in
prevention programs, supporting legislative changes, understanding community
resources, increasing knowledge on addiction problems and being the champions of
change in the practicing area (Drukcer et al., 2016).
Further, nurse educators have an essential role in integrating opioid addiction
programs, prevention, overdose and treatment protocols. Enhancing nurses
knowledge on signs and symptoms related to overdose usage is key in preparing
them to handle upload related outcomes. Understanding these key nursing activities
is an essential aspect of shaping the formulation of an effective policy guideline
program (Dempsey & Reilly, 2016). Thus the relevance of nurses in the health care
setting is fundamental towards the management of opioid addiction problem among
the citizens at large.