Prescription opiate use is now recognized as a national threat. However, a police task force member told me that prescription opiates are decreasing in Nashville, and heroin use is on the rise as heroin is now easier (and cheaper) to obtain than prescription opiates. (probably due to a more functioning CSMD (controlled substance monitoring database))
Currently, they are seeing one heroin death/A DAY!!!! In Nashville.
An ED in New Jersey is taking an innovative approach to treating pain in the ED.
Here is information on the protocol on which they base their approach to pain.
What a huge undertaking! It will be interesting to see the impact of this program. Ds
This Question prepared by: Donna Seger, MD Medical Toxicologist
I am interested in any questions you would like answered in the Question of the Week. Please email me with any suggestion at donna.seger@vanderbilt.edu
Donna Seger, MD
Medical Director
Tennessee Poison Center
Poison Help Hotline: 1-800-222-1222