Parents worry about risks and continue to believe that opioids are the best for relieving children's pain

Headlines full of scary news about opioid abuse, overdoses and reports that 90% of addictions begin in adolescence could worry parents. Yet parents remain at odds over opioids: while more than half express concern about the risk of opioid addiction in their child, nearly two-thirds believe that opioids are more effective at managing their child's pain. after surgery or a fracture that a drug over the counter or otherwise. alternatives, according to a national study commissioned by the American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA).

"The findings of the survey shed light on the conflictual relationships and understanding of opioids in the country.While most parents have worried about side effects and risks such as drug addiction, the use abusive or recreational and overdose, they always thought that opioids are the best ways to manage pain, "said ASA President Linda J. Mason, MD, FASA. "Opioids may not always be the best option. It really depends on the type of surgery and the duration of the surgery. It is important, however, that parents know that there are many alternatives that are as safe and secure as possible. effective for pain management. Only one third of parents whose opioids were prescribed to children even asked their doctor about alternatives to pain management. "

Although the use of short-term opioids can be effective when it is managed safely and the risks are minimized, more than 2 million Americans abuse it and over 90 people die every day from an opioid overdose. Opioid – related deaths in children and adolescents nearly tripled between 1999 and 2016, mainly because of opioid prescription. During the Anesthesiologists' Week (January 27 to February 2), the ASA wants parents to know that an anesthesiologist or other pain management specialist can create an individualized plan to best treat the pain. patients depending on the condition or type risk of opioid misuse and dependence.

The new survey of more than 1,000 parents of children aged 13 to 24, one-third of whom were prescribed opioids, found that while 83% of parents say they are ready to manage safely the opioid consumption of their child, if any. not quite endure. The findings suggest that there is a need to improve awareness on: alternatives to opioids; safe storage and proper disposal; talk to children about the risks; and the benefits of naloxone, an emergency medication that reverses the effects of an opioid overdose.

Parents do not ask for effective alternatives

Although opioids may help relieve pain for a few days after surgery or injury, there are effective alternatives that do not have the side effects and risks badociated with opioids, including non-opioid medications and non-drug therapies. But the results of the survey suggest that parents often do not ask for alternatives or are not aware of the range of options.

• 59% said that they would talk to their doctor about pain management options, but only 37% of those who had been prescribed opioids to children did so.
• 88 percent of non-opioid over-the-counter medications recognized, such as acetaminophen (Tylenol), ibuprofen (Advil or Motrin) and aspirin, are used to effectively treat pain. However, few people knew that the same thing applied to other non-opioid options, including steroids (23%), antidepressants (9%) and anti-seizure medications (7%).
• 15% incorrectly stated that antibiotics are an effective painkiller.

In addition to medications, a number of non-drug therapies can help relieve persistent pain, including nerve blocks, physical therapy, biofeedback, meditation, virtual reality, mbadage and acupuncture.

Parents are not aware that safe storage and proper disposal are essential

More than half of people who abuse prescribed opioids get them from a friend or family member. This is why safe storage and proper disposal of medications are important to help stem the epidemic. But the results of the survey suggest that parents do not fully understand the benefits and proper methods of safe storage and disposal.

• Only 50% said they stored or would store opioids in a safe and secure place (not in the medicine cabinet, where others can access them).
• 60% of those whose children were taking opioids reported needing less than what they had been prescribed and, therefore, they still had medication. However, only 39% of parents dispose of opioid waste or dispose of it as recommended, such as taking them to a pharmacy or local health center, throwing them in the toilet or mixing them with soil, litter boxes. cats or coffee before throwing them away.
• Yet 61% have correctly identified the ideal method for getting rid of the remaining opioids, which involves getting them to a collection center in a local police station or to a drug disposal program in a pharmacy or a drug store. Health center.

Parents understand the importance of communication

When an opioid is prescribed to a child, parents should have an open and honest discussion about the side effects and potential risks – not only with the child taking the medication, but also with other members of the family. family. The parents interviewed generally understood this.

• 74% said they talked to their child about the dangers of prescription and over-the-counter drug abuse and 20% said they intended to hold the conversation.
• 89% of those whose opioids were prescribed to their children reported having these discussions.
• 91% said they trust their children know that prescription or over-the-counter medications can be just as dangerous as illicit drugs.

Parents recognize that naloxone saves lives

Naloxone (Narcan) is a life-saving medication, administered by nasal spray or injection, which quickly reverses the effects of overdose. It is important to know about naloxone because anyone who uses opioids, even on prescription from a doctor, may be overdosed.

The availability of naloxone varies by state. In most states, it is available by prescription and some pharmacies sell it over the counter. Most parents recognize the value of naloxone.

• 71% believe that naloxone at hand is equivalent to having other life-saving medicines for people with conditions such as allergies, asthma or diabetes.
• 29% were concerned that having this document in hand encouraged the risky use of opioids.
• 80% said they would be more comfortable having it at home if their child or other family member was taking opioids.
• 92% think that all first responders should wear it.

"It is critical to recognize and correct opioid knowledge gaps, ensuring that everyone understands how to use them safely and minimizing risks." An anesthesiologist or other management specialist may Pain can help parents manage their child's pain and reduce the risk of misuse of opioids and addiction, "said Dr. Mason." We also need to rebadure parents that naloxone is saving lives and must be widely available. "

The CARAVAN motor omnibus survey, which included 17 questions, was conducted online from 25 November to 2 December 2018 among 1,007 parents aged 13 to 24. If we had already prescribed opioids to their children, parents were asked to think about their child with the most recent prescription by answering questions. If their opioids were never prescribed to their children, parents were asked to answer for the eldest child aged 13 to 24 years.

Provided by
American Society of Anesthetists