Opioid Abuse and Overdose: Prevention Strategies

Prescription drug misuse has reached epidemic proportions in the United States. Given the magnitude of the problem, strategies to prevent initiation of prescription opioid misuse, treat existing opioid use disorders, and prevent overdose are of utmost importance. This article will summarize such strategies, including improved prescriber education, prescription drug monitoring programs, medication take-back programs, controlled substance lock-in programs, and community-based naloxone distribution.