naltrexone, buprenorphine or methadone within half a year of their initial overdose.
Donohue explained that there is a need for “increased capacity so people treated for overdose in hospitals can begin addiction treatment while in the hospital, reduce the stigma associated with treatment and educate providers on how to engage patients with treatment.”
“On the pain medication side, if privacy laws permit, a patient’s history of overdose can inform opioid prescribing decisions,” she said. “Emergency department-initiated naloxone education and distribution to the patient and their friends or family can also help prevent potential future overdose deaths.”
Author: Cesar Gamboa
Cesar Gamboa is a staff reporter and editor for Addiction Now covering topics ranging from legislation to scientific studies. He was previously a general assignment reporter for the Orange County Register. SoCal raised, lover of books, and avid mountain biker (when he wants to be). He can be reached at cesarg@addictionnow.com.
