Opioids are narcotics or pain-management drugs that were first used around the 1860s. They were originally made available for wounded soldiers. The chemicals present in opioid drugs are also known to act as relaxants.
Even during the late 19th century, numerous soldiers developed opioid dependence. As per the National Institutes of Health (NIH), even today, over 120,000 people worldwide die due to opioid addiction. Some common drugs that come under this category include morphine, oxycodone, and even illegal heroin.
Over the years, different countries have had to manage opioid addiction waves among their citizens. Is the UK currently facing such a crisis? This article will explore whether it’s time for a radical rethink in this area.
The Country’s Folks Are Addicted to Painkillers
The statistics nearly six years ago were extremely alarming. It was found that the United Kingdom had the highest opioid consumption rate in 2019. By then, deaths associated with drug poisoning or overdose had increased by 388% since 1993.
The situation was more or less similar even around 2021, believed to be fueled by COVID-19 restrictions. Viewing the public health emergency lurking on the horizon, pharmacists and general physicians were instructed to stop prescribing opioids.
Here, at least the prescription of high-strength painkillers was prohibited. In March 2023, NHS England published a report claiming that opioid prescription was cut down by half a million, 450,000 to be precise. Even so, the situation is not under control yet.
In fact, drug-related deaths across Wales and England have been the highest for the 11th year in a row. It is believed that the country will tighten its measures to prevent opioid-related deaths. This will most likely be done by confiscating the drugs and restricting their supply.
What Are the Available Treatments?
As we observed, even if new drug addiction cases may sharply decline, the UK still needs to tackle an ongoing epidemic. This is the culmination of years of opioid abuse among its residents. Let’s look at some conventional treatments that have been used for opioid addiction.
Buprenorphine
This medication is often available in tablet form, injection, or cheek film. It is believed that buprenorphine is safe and effective against opioid dependence. Another pill approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) was used, known as Suboxone.
Available in pill form, this drug comprised a combination of buprenorphine and naloxone. Though somewhat effective, it caused more problems in the form of dental issues. According to TorHoerman Law, patients complained of developing tooth decay, infections, oral cavities, etc.
The US currently even has active litigation in the form of the Suboxone tooth decay lawsuit. Over 480 plaintiffs have filed their cases, alleging that Suboxone’s manufacturer, Indivior, was aware of the health risks. The first lawsuit in this litigation was filed in September 2023.
As for the UK, the supply of Suboxone was discontinued on 31st July 2023. This means this drug can no longer be prescribed for opioid addiction.
Methadone
While other countries like the US reached for Suboxone or buprenorphine first for treating opioid dependence, the UK relied on injectable methadone. The use of this medication is strictly restricted to certified opioid treatment programs in the presence of a healthcare provider.
The UK differs from the US and other nations in this area. Methadone, being highly effective against opioid dependence, is accessible even through community or retail pharmacies. In other words, UK pharmacists have the authority to observe methadone dosage and allow take-homes. Even general practitioners are permitted to prescribe the medication.
Naltrexone
Another medicine often used for opioid addiction treatment in the UK is naltrexone, which is a prescription-only drug. It may be administered orally, via an intramuscular injection, or a subcutaneous implant.
As per the UK Addiction Treatment Centres, this medicine is also effective as it blocks the brain’s opioid receptors. As a result, the patient experiences no feelings of pleasure often associated with narcotics.
Are There Any Alternative Treatment Options?
We just talked about the various medications available to treat opioid dependence among the UK folks. Another question is whether any alternative treatment options are available. The answer is yes since these are used, along with the medicines mentioned above for a whole-patient approach.
- Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) may be used to help the patient recognize distortions in their thinking patterns.
- Individual or group therapy, which involves counseling. Here, the patient often feels challenged to change in the presence of peers undergoing rehab.
As of now, the best approach seems to be regulating the supply of opioids. However, some steps can help prevent a full-blown addiction. These include avoiding narcotics consumption along with drugs known to cause drowsiness.
Also, opioids must never be taken with alcohol. In any case, the UK has come a long way and still has some major distance to cover in this area.