Preventing Drug Overdoses a Top Priority for the Food and Drug Administration
In 2023, preventing drug overdoses is a top priority for the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA). In a statement to the press last week, Dr. Robert M. Califf, M.D., MACC, the Commissioner of Food and Drugs for the FDA, announced a new action plan. With a focus on preventing drug overdoses by advancing new policies, his update is part of the Overdose Prevention Framework of the federal government. Indeed, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services continues to declare a public health emergency due to the opioid use disorder crisis. For the past several years, overdose statistics have continued to rise. As a direct result, ” In collaboration with external experts, FDA has developed a national-level system dynamics model of the opioid crisis, called SOURCE (Simulation of Opioid Use, Response, Consequences, and Effects).”
On the front lines of treating opioid use disorder, Tarzana Treatment Centers (TTC) highlights this focus on the opioid crisis. As a substance use disorder (SUD) treatment services provider, TTC knows the importance of providing people with access to treatment. With the federal government’s help, treatment providers like TTC can help turn the tide of the national crisis. Moreover, the FDA is an essential player in reducing the availability and power of synthetic opioids on the open market.
Preventing Drug Overdoses and Prescription Painkillers
In his statement, Dr. Califf illustrates how the FDA will help by better compiling and analyzing information. He explains, “The FDA has invested significant resources to develop a data-driven, national-level simulation model of the opioids system, named SOURCE. We will continue to enhance systems modeling approaches, including SOURCE, to enable identification of evolving trends and gaps in our interventions.”
By providing better evidence-based information, the FDA helps other federal agencies obtain more funding. Hence, an understanding develops of how prescription drugs, particularly synthetic opioids, fuel the opioid use crisis. Therefore, the work of the FDA supports efforts to stem the tide through greater prevention and education efforts along with a focus on treatment access.
In addition, the FDA is examining the extended use of opioid analgesics. For example, are opioids a viable choice for long-term pain management? Should potent synthetic opioids be accessible in the medical marketplace, or should greater restrictions be instituted? Finally, is the labeling of these intensely-addictive drugs clear enough regarding the dangers and risks?
Preventing Drug Overdoses at Tarzana Treatment Centers
At TTC, prevention efforts and the clinical SUD treatment team focus on preventing drug overdoses. Given the stakes and the alarming number of deaths, such a priority is a nationwide effort. At the same time, however, we are here to save individual lives and help families in need. If you or a loved one is struggling with opioid use disorder, please do not wait before it is too late. Contact us today to access the help you need.