Veterinarians Beware: The Hidden Dangers of Opioids and How to Protect Your Practice
The opioid crisis is a nationwide emergency, affecting millions of Americans every year. According to a recent survey by Harvard School of Public Health, 3 in 10 U.S. adults know someone directly impacted by opioid addiction, with over half of that group knowing someone who died from opioid use. Even more startling, 1 in 7 adults reported being directly affected by opioid addiction themselves. In this critical landscape, veterinary practices must stay vigilant and informed to protect their communities. Vet Candy's RACE-approved podcast series, "Opioid Awareness and Safety in Veterinary Practice," offers an essential resource for veterinarians looking to stay ahead of this crisis.
Episode Breakdown:
Episode 1: The Crisis Dive into the roots of the opioid epidemic, starting with a pivotal 1980 letter in the New England Journal of Medicine that downplayed addiction risks. This episode explores the surge in opioid prescriptions, fueled by OxyContin's approval in 1995 and aggressive marketing tactics. By 2006, there were 72 opioid prescriptions per 100 people in the U.S., leading to over 62 million patients filling prescriptions by 2016. A forensic veterinarian provides a deep analysis of these developments, highlighting their impact on veterinary practices.
Episode 2: Diversion Discover the disturbing case of Heather Pereira, who in 2014 intentionally harmed her dog to obtain opioids, exposing a dark side of the opioid crisis known as "vet shopping." This episode underscores the risks of misusing pet medications like Tramadol and Valium. An addiction expert discusses the broader implications of such cases and emphasizes the need for awareness, education, and regulation within veterinary practices to prevent similar incidents.
Episode 3: Legal Insights As the opioid misuse crisis intensifies, this episode offers crucial legal insights and safety protocols to protect veterinary practices. A legal expert provides an overview of current regulations, compliance requirements, and best practices for managing and storing opioids safely. This comprehensive approach underscores the importance of including veterinary professionals in the collective efforts to mitigate the opioid epidemic's multifaceted challenges.
The opioid crisis continues to devastate communities nationwide. For veterinary professionals, staying informed and compliant is more critical than ever. Vet Candy's podcast series equips you with the knowledge and tools to protect your practice, your family, and your community from the risks associated with opioid use. Don't miss this opportunity to learn from top experts in the field and earn valuable CE credits.
Call to Action: Stay informed, stay safe, and stay compliant. Tune in to the "Opioid Awareness and Safety in Veterinary Practice" podcast series today and make a difference in your professional and personal life.
