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Deadly Fentanyl Crisis

An analysis of opioid-related overdose deaths found that synthetic opioids, such as illicit fentanyl, have surpassed prescription opioids as the most common drug involved in overdose deaths in the U.S.

Research information published in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) concluded that nearly half of opioid-related deaths in 2018 involved the synthetic opioid fentanyl.

The Fentanyl Crisis:

The Director of NIDA, (National Institute of Drug Abuse) recently has warned about the escalating numbers of people dying from overdoses involving the extremely potent synthetic opioid fentanyl and its analogues. The latest analysis in JAMA and at NIDA reveals the scope of the crisis, and the rapidity with which the opioid problem has broadened from prescription opioids and heroin to include much more deadly synthetic drugs.

Mortality Data:

Researchers were able to show that involvement of fentanyl in opioid overdose deaths rose from 14.3 percent in 2010 to 46 percent in 2018.

Often prescribed by physician’s, fentanyl is often administered via injection, transdermal patches, or in lozenges. However, the fentanyl and fentanyl analogs associated with recent overdoses are produced in clandestine laboratories. This non-pharmaceutical fentanyl is sold in the following forms: as a powder; spiked on blotter paper; mixed with or substituted for heroin; or as tablets that mimic other, less potent opioids.8People can swallow, snort, or inject fentanyl, or they can put blotter paper in their mouths so that fentanyl is absorbed through the mucous membrane

Fentanyl Abuse:

Although some users seek out fentanyl, it is often ingested unintentionally. It is commonly used to adulterate heroin as well as counterfeit prescription pain pills and sedatives that are purchased on the street. Increasing numbers of overdose deaths among cocaine users may also be related to fentanyl-adulterated cocaine. Because it is so highly potent, fentanyl is more easily smuggled into the country, and because it is so cheap to produce, drug traffickers have increasingly turned to fentanyl as a profitable product.

Fentanyl Statistics:

Because of fentanyl’s extremely high potency (it is 50-100 times more potent than morphine) and its ability to readily enter brain tissue, it can be lethal to breathe air with atomized fentanyl in it or touch a contaminated surface. Also, due to its high potency and slower elimination from the body, overdoses, when caught in time, may require multiple administrations of naloxone. First responders must be prepared to administer more than one dose. Those who are revived must still get medical attention, as a new overdose can occur when an initial dose of naloxone wears off.

 A Moving Target:

The opioid crisis has proved to be a rapidly moving target for public health officials, policymakers, and the healthcare system. The escalating death toll from fentanyl and its analogues adds to the urgency of addressing the problem in multiple ways: from wider access to medication-assisted treatment and overdose reversal, to improved provider education about pain management and addiction, to community investment in prevention programs. The new study also underscores the need for ongoing and accurate data collection to rapidly identify the source of the most important drug threats at any given time.

Provider Performance:

Providers in today’s competitive and often hostile treatment environment must be capable of demonstrating treatment performance outcomes. This suggests treatment programs need to have in place an internal quality monitoring program that is based upon measurable quality indicators. To be effective follow-up programs must extend well beyond the patient’s discharge from primary services.  Performance and accountability will truly take on new meaning and proportion as the affordable care era evolves.

Real time performance data and the ability of providers to respond effectively to performance-based contracting has enormous implications for the current data systems at both the state and provider levels. Evidence-based practices and performance outcomes in delivering clinical services will be demanded as well.

About the ACG Group:

Considered one of the most comprehensive consulting organizations assisting with CARF Accreditation assistance we provide services to organizations of all sizes. ACG partners with all our clients to deliver customized solutions that resolve many of their most significant issues. These innovative answers can often create a lasting competitive advantage. ACG Group’s services focus on clients’ most immediate needs: and major concerns, while maximizing their opportunities for success. ACG Focuses on readying Addiction Treatment Programs for CARF Accreditation including:

Writing Organization Policies and Procedures to meet CARF Standards

— Helping building Client Planning manuals and strategic plans

— Coaching, Training Clinical Staff

— Assisting with the design of Quality Outcome Reports

 

 Our Team of professionals can assist organizations in successfully achieving CARF Accreditation.