Want to Fix the Opioid Crisis? Start By Expanding Access to Treatment.

130 people die of opioid overdoses in the United States every day. The number of deaths is rapidly rising, with powerful synthetic opioids, many manufactured and sold illegally, leading the pack.

States and Congress have focused on trying to limit opioid prescribing practices to fight the epidemic, but that's the wrong end of the stick. Instead of crackdowns that punish people who need opioid medications for acute or chronic pain, the government should focus on improving access to evidence-based treatment in a variety of formats so people with substance use disorders can identify the one that works best for their needs.

A proposed "bill to amend the Controlled Substances Act to establish additional registration requirements for prescribers of opioids" is not the solution America needs. This legislation would limit prescriptions for acute pain to just seven days, forcing patients to see their doctors again if they have injuries or issues that require a longer supply of medication — as for example if they'd just had hip replacements.

While the legislation ostensibly carves out an exception for patients with chronic pain, they may endure months of pain, frustration and cost while waiting for a diagnosis under the proposed criteria.

The bill tells doctors how to practice medicine, but it does nothing for people currently struggling with substance use disorders.

Medicaid's drug treatment components must be much more comprehensive, while private insurers must be compelled to provide coverage for several treatment options so patients don't feel stuck with a plan that doesn't work for them.

Incarcerated people should be connected with resources and followup to treat substance use disorders upon release.

Hospitals should be encouraged to develop diversion and referral programs so that people seeking substance use disorder or overdose treatment in ERs can access the care they need.

The government must take steps to remedy the shortage of beds and providers so that everyone who needs treatment can get it in a timely fashion, rather than having to wait, or fight for it.

Restrictions on prescribing drugs that can be extremely valuable in substance use disorder treatment should be lifted so care providers have access to the full range of options for their patients.

And medical boards should apply holistic, evidence-based discipline to physicians who prescribe inappropriately, weeding out "pill mills" through internal accountability, not arbitrary limits that make it hard for doctors to do their jobs.

Tell your lawmakers to go back to the drawing board. A solution to the opioid crisis needs to start with those most at risk: The people who are already experiencing substance use disorders.

Photo: DNY59/Getty Images

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