From Crisis to Care: How Online Therapy is Changing the Game in Lansing's Opioid Battle

Tucked within the heart of Michigan lies Lansing, a vibrant city known for its rich history and diverse culture. Yet, behind its bustling streets and charming neighborhoods, Lansing, like many other cities across the state, struggles with a pressing issue: opioid addiction. Since the turn of the century, Michigan has seen a staggering rise in opioid-related deaths, with the toll reaching a grim 2,036, surpassing fatalities from car accidents in recent years. This crisis encompasses a spectrum of substances, including synthetic narcotics like fentanyl and heroin, claiming over 400 lives annually. Despite concerted efforts to curb prescriptions and bolster monitoring systems like MAPS (Michigan Automated Prescription System), the epidemic persists, demanding urgent and comprehensive action from both state authorities and local communities.

Amidst this backdrop of urgency, residents confront the stark realities of opioid addiction daily. However, there is hope. In this digital age, the landscape of therapy is evolving, offering newfound avenues for support and intervention. With the rise of online therapists in Michigan, individuals in Lansing facing opioid addiction can access vital resources and counseling services from the comfort of their homes. The availability of online therapists in Lansing, MI, presents a beacon of hope, offering tailored support and evidence-based interventions to those navigating the complexities of addiction. 

Does Michigan have an opioid problem?

Yes, Michigan is facing a significant opioid problem. Since 2000, opioid overdose deaths in the state have increased dramatically, impacting thousands of individuals and their communities. The statistics reveal a troubling trend, with deaths from opioid overdoses reaching 2,036 and outnumbering those from car crashes in recent years. The crisis includes deaths from synthetic narcotics like fentanyl and heroin, with upwards of 400 fatalities recorded annually. While efforts have been made to decrease opioid prescriptions and increase the use of monitoring systems like MAPS (Michigan Automated Prescription System), the epidemic persists, requiring urgent and comprehensive responses from both state authorities and local communities.

In a small town nestled in rural Michigan, the opioid crisis hits close to home for Emily, a local nurse practitioner. Over the past decade, she has witnessed the devastating impact of opioid addiction on her patients and their families. Just last week, Emily treated a young mother who nearly lost her life to a heroin overdose. As she reviews the latest statistics showing a staggering rise in opioid-related deaths across the state, Emily feels a sense of urgency. She knows that despite efforts to curb prescriptions and increase monitoring, the crisis persists, leaving communities like hers grappling for solutions. Determined to make a difference, Emily begins organizing a community forum to raise awareness and mobilize support for comprehensive action against the opioid epidemic.

As we confront the harsh realities of the opioid epidemic in Lansing, MI, it's clear that a multifaceted approach is needed to combat addiction and save lives. While the challenges are daunting, there is hope on the horizon. Alongside efforts to raise awareness and mobilize support, seeking professional help is crucial for individuals struggling with opioid addiction. For those in need of assistance, drug rehab in Lansing, MI, offers comprehensive treatment and support services to help individuals reclaim their lives from addiction. Together, by uniting our efforts and resources, we can work towards a future where communities are free from the grip of opioid addiction.

What is an opioid education class about?

An opioid education class, such as the ASAM Treatment of Opioid Use Disorder Course, is designed to provide healthcare professionals with comprehensive training on treating opioid use disorder (OUD) using evidence-based practices. 

This 8-hour online course covers topics such as: 

• identifying, assessing, and diagnosing patients with OUD
• developing individualized treatment plans
• monitoring progress
• implementing best practices for office systems to support treatment with medications like buprenorphine. 

The course targets a range of healthcare providers, including:

• Physicians
• nurse practitioners
• physician assistants
• certified nurse midwives
• certified registered nurse anesthetists
• clinical nurse specialists who wish to prescribe buprenorphine in an office-based setting for OUD. 

Additionally, completion of this course meets the DEA requirement for 8 hours of education on substance use disorder(s).
 

How do you educate a patient on opiates?

Educating patients on opioids involves several key aspects aimed at promoting safe and effective use while minimizing risks. Here are some strategies for educating patients on opioids:

1. Understanding the Risks: Patients need to be aware of the potential harms associated with opioid use, including the risk of addiction, overdose, and other adverse effects. They should understand that opioids are powerful pain relievers and should be used cautiously and only as directed by a healthcare professional.
2. Safe Use Practices: Patients should be educated on how to use opioids safely, including taking the medication only as prescribed, following the recommended dosage and schedule, and not combining opioids with alcohol or other drugs without medical supervision.
3. Pain Management Expectations: Patients should have realistic expectations about pain management after surgery or other procedures. They should understand that some degree of pain is normal and expected, but that there are various strategies for managing pain effectively, including the use of non-opioid pain medications and nonpharmacologic techniques.
4. Storage and Disposal: Patients should know how to safely store opioids to prevent misuse or accidental ingestion by others, particularly children or pets. Additionally, patients should be informed about proper disposal methods for unused opioids to prevent diversion and environmental harm.
5. Alternative Pain Management Options: Patients should be aware of non-opioid alternatives for pain management, including over-the-counter medications like acetaminophen or ibuprofen, as well as non-pharmacologic approaches such as physical therapy, relaxation techniques, and integrative therapies.
6. Monitoring and Communication: Patients should understand the importance of monitoring their pain levels and communicating with their healthcare provider if they experience inadequate pain relief or concerning side effects. Open communication with healthcare providers is essential for optimizing pain management and minimizing risks associated with opioid use.

What are the CDC guidelines for opioid prescribing?

The CDC guidelines for opioid prescribing emphasize several key principles to promote safe and effective use while minimizing risks:

1. Non-Opioid Therapies First: Nonpharmacologic therapy and nonopioid pharmacologic therapy are preferred for chronic pain. Opioid therapy should only be considered if the expected benefits for both pain and function outweigh the risks to the patient.
2. Establish Treatment Goals: Before starting opioid therapy, clinicians should establish treatment goals with patients, including realistic goals for pain and function. They should also consider how opioid therapy will be discontinued if benefits do not outweigh risks.
3. Discuss Risks and Benefits: Clinicians should discuss with patients the known risks and realistic benefits of opioid therapy before starting and periodically during therapy.
4. Opioid Selection, Dosage, Duration, Follow-Up, and Discontinuation: Clinicians should use immediate-release opioids when starting therapy and prescribe the lowest effective dose. For acute pain, opioids should be prescribed for the shortest duration possible.
5. Evaluate Benefits and Harms Frequently: Clinicians should evaluate the benefits and harms of opioid therapy with patients within specific time frames and adjust treatment as needed.
6. Strategies to Mitigate Risk: Clinicians should evaluate risk factors for opioid-related harms and incorporate strategies to mitigate risk, such as offering naloxone when factors that increase the risk for opioid overdose are present.
7. Review PDMP Data: Clinicians should review the patient's history of controlled substance prescriptions using state prescription drug monitoring program (PDMP) data to assess risk.
8. Use Urine Drug Testing: Clinicians should use urine drug testing before starting opioid therapy and consider it periodically during therapy to assess for prescribed medications as well as other controlled prescription drugs and illicit drugs.
9. Avoid Concurrent Opioid and Benzodiazepine Prescribing: Clinicians should avoid prescribing opioid pain medication and benzodiazepines concurrently whenever possible.
10. Offer Treatment for Opioid Use Disorder: Clinicians should offer or arrange evidence-based treatment for patients with opioid use disorder, such as medication-assisted treatment combined with behavioral therapies.

Locate virtual therapists in Lansing, MI to battle your opioid addiction

In conclusion, the opioid epidemic presents a formidable challenge for communities across Michigan, including Lansing. With opioid-related deaths reaching a staggering 2,036, surpassing fatalities from car accidents, the urgency for action is undeniable. However, amidst these sobering statistics, there is hope. The emergence of online therapists in Lansing, MI, offers a beacon of support for individuals grappling with addiction. With upwards of 400 opioid-related fatalities annually, the need for accessible resources is pressing. Through tailored interventions and evidence-based practices, online therapists in Michigan provide vital support accessible from the comfort of one's home.

As we navigate the complexities of this crisis, it's imperative to heed the CDC guidelines for opioid prescribing, prioritize non-opioid therapies, and engage in comprehensive education and prevention efforts. By adhering to guidelines that recommend the lowest effective dosage and regular evaluation of benefits and harms, we can mitigate the impact of opioids on our communities. Together, with concerted action from state authorities, healthcare professionals, and local communities, we can stem the tide of opioid addiction and pave the way for healing and recovery in Lansing and beyond.

Resources:

• About the Epidemic
• The ASAM Treatment of Opioid Use Disorder Course
• Patient Education
• Factsheet CDC Guideline for Prescribing Opioids for Chronic Pain