Opioids are a class of drugs used to manage pain that include illegal substances, such as heroin, and prescription medications, such as oxycodone and hydrocodone. While they can be effective for pain management, opioids carry a significant risk of misuse.
Why Is Opioid Addiction Rising?
Overprescribing has played a significant role in the opioid epidemic. When opioids are prescribed too freely for chronic pain or for too long, patients can develop a dependence that is difficult to reverse.
Opioid misuse can be intentional or unintentional. In some cases, individuals continue using opioids in an effort to manage ongoing pain without fully understanding the risks associated with long-term use, dependence, or misuse.
Early education, appropriate prescribing practices, and access to alternative pain management options can help support the safe and effective use of opioids.
Fight Opioid Abuse With Plan Design
Lost productivity, increased absenteeism, and higher health care costs are just a few ways
employers suffer when their employees engage in substance abuse. Health plans can consider the following plan design elements to help decrease inappropriate opioid usage:
- Require prior authorization.
- Incorporate quantity limits on opioid prescriptions.
- Require individuals to strictly utilize one pharmacy or health care provider.
- Ensure that substance abuse treatment coverage is available.
Fight Opioid Abuse With Education
Awareness, education, and access to appropriate care can help support employee well-being and encourage the safe use of prescription medications.
- Provide education on non-opioid pain management options, such as physical therapy, yoga, or acupuncture.
- Offer educational resources that encourage safe and appropriate opioid use.
- Educate employees on proper storage and disposal of unused opioids.
Please contact your National CooperativeRx Account Representative for more information regarding your plan’s opioid management strategy.
