If you or someone you know is struggling with substance abuse, Tennessee REDLINE is available 24/7 at 1-800-889-9789. Those looking to quit smoking can also call the state's toll-free hotline at 1-800-QUIT-NOW (1-800-784-866). Physicians should be knowledgeable about the medications included in the urine drug tests they use in their practice and how to interpret the results. Studies have revealed that the potential risks associated with methadone may vary depending on the monitoring and management protocols employed, although further research is needed to understand the factors involved. Doctors have reported positive beliefs and attitudes about the improvements in pain and quality of life attributed to opioids.
However, most consider prescription drug abuse to be a “moderate” or “serious” problem in their community, and many are “very concerned” about opioid addiction (55%) and death (48%). The evidence base on the effectiveness and risks of long-term opioid treatment is of low quality according to GRADE criteria. Prescription Drug Monitoring Programs (PDMPs) are state databases that collect information on controlled prescription drugs dispensed by pharmacies and, in some states, by doctors. Urine drug testing can help physicians identify when patients are not taking their prescribed opioids, which could indicate a deviation or other clinically important issues such as adverse effects.
When prescribing opioids, clinicians should take into account the patient's age and any renal or hepatic impairment they may have, as decreased drug clearance could lead to toxic levels. Non-pharmacological treatments such as exercise and cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) can help improve pain and function without apparent risks. The Tennessee Prevention Network (TPN) is a network of 19 agencies across the state that provide substance abuse prevention education. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has drafted recommendations for determining when to start or continue opioids for chronic pain; selecting opioids, doses, duration, follow-up and discontinuation; and assessing the risks and addressing the harmful effects of opioid use.
Methadone has been found to account for up to one-third of opioid-related overdose deaths related to one or more drugs in states that participated in the Drug Abuse Warning Network.
