Episode 3: Lessons from Our Prescription Opioid Story

Episode 3: Lessons from Our Prescription Opioid Story

When the 2016 CDC Opioid Guidelines were released, they were meant to curb the opioid crisis. However, what followed was a series of unintended consequences that left many patients in chronic pain struggling. In this episode of the Addiction Medicine Podcast, Dr. Stefan Kertesz, a Professor of Medicine at the University of Alabama at Birmingham, sheds light on these unforeseen outcomes. Drawing from his extensive research and his talk at the 2022 Addiction Medicine Conference, Dr.

Kertesz discusses how the guidelines were misinterpreted and hastily implemented, leading to drastic prescription reductions and even loss of access to necessary medications for stable patients with severe chronic pain. He takes a deep dive into the policy shifts that pushed for rapid opioid tapering and stoppage, highlighting the significant risks of overdose and suicide that come with such measures. Through a balanced and empathetic lens, Dr.

Kertesz also explores the challenges healthcare providers face in managing long-term opioid therapy and offers practical insights into better care practices and pain science. Whether you're a healthcare professional, a patient, or someone with a keen interest in addiction medicine, this episode provides a nuanced understanding of a complex issue that continues to affect many lives.