Teresa
Reading this was such an eye-opening experience for me regarding the opioid crisis in
America, specifically in the state of Louisiana. The opioid crisis is a grave and unintended
consequence of the over-prescription and misuse of painkillers. You have presented a well-
researched and convincing argument for the need to address this issue. It is shocking that St.
Louisianna has such a high mortality rate from opioid overdose, with 1400 deaths in just four
years and 85.4 opioid prescriptions per 100 people (CDC, 2020). According to the CDC,
clinicians should prescribe opioids only when the benefits outweigh the risks, and use the lowest
effective dose and duration (State of Delaware, 2022). This indicates that urgent action is
required and that implementing evidence-based guidelines for the management of chronic pain is
a rational approach. These guidelines will limit the use of opioids when appropriate and prevent
unnecessary exposure to addictive substances. Similarly, the prescription control program is also
a beneficial initiative to track the distribution of controlled substances and prevent abuse among
patients who are prone to addiction. The Louisiana Department of Health has taken some
commendable steps as well to provide resources and education for Medicaid recipients and
providers on opioid use and to assist those affected by the crisis. If it was not for this neat and
thorough presentation, I would not have been able to empathize with your frustration over the
crisis. As a healthcare professional, witnessing your patients suffer from opioid addiction and
require escalating doses to achieve analgesia is emotionally exhausting. Adhering to the CDC’s
recommendations, maintain an ethical behavior by following the guidelines, practicing
responsibly, and avoiding using opioids while working, I concur with you that we can be able to
stay ahead of this crisis’ effects on patients and other addicted individuals.
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