Work together to prevent addiction in communities

Robert John
| Detroit News

As an oral and maxillofacial surgeon, I have spent more than 20 years treating patients of all ages. My responsibilities extend beyond the walls of my office and involve much more than pulling teeth or fixing fractured jaws. I continuously advocate for the overall health and well-being of my patients – before, during and after their time in my care. As we observe National Substance Abuse Prevention Month, this commitment has never been more important.

In 2017, the opioid crisis was declared a public health emergency, and today it remains a major challenge. According to the US Department of Health and Human Services, 10.1 million people abused prescription opioids in the past year. Nonmedical use of prescription painkillers has been the second most common form of illegal drug use in the country for more than a decade.

As an oral surgeon, I have seen how vulnerable young people can be. It is common for teenagers to undergo wisdom tooth removal, often along with a prescription for an opioid for post-operative pain. Unfortunately, these opioids can open the door to abuse, leading to deadly consequences.

Opioid addiction does not discriminate by age, gender or socioeconomic status. I have seen its impact on people from all walks of life. It’s time to raise awareness about opioid addiction and how everyone can contribute to prevention. Whether you are a caregiver, educator, family member or community leader, we all have a role to play.

The first step in the fight against addiction is to talk about it. Many of my patients are teenagers or young adults, and I make it a point to engage in these conversations with them and their parents. I urge parents to be fully aware of the risks of prescription pain medication given to their children.

Alternative pain management strategies are important. In many cases, over-the-counter medications such as ibuprofen and paracetamol are just as effective in controlling postoperative pain. Ice packs can also help manage swelling and discomfort.

Talking about addiction can feel uncomfortable, but it is necessary. Open dialogue reduces the stigma surrounding drug use and creates a safer space for vulnerable patients. This includes people with mental disorders, past histories of substance abuse and especially our younger population.

Teenagers and young adults are at higher risk of drug abuse due to peer pressure, stress and curiosity. Health care providers and parents must work together to ensure that youth understand the real risks of opioid abuse.

Providers should take the time to educate patients and their families, and parents should feel empowered to ask questions. It is also important to dispose of unused medications properly. National Prescription Drug Take Back Day, October 26, provides a safe way to do this and reduces the risk of these drugs ending up in the wrong hands.

This day is an important initiative that offers a simple but effective way to reduce the supply of unused opioids and other prescription drugs. I encourage everyone to check their medicine cabinets and safely dispose of medications.

While opioids have dominated the conversation about addiction, addressing marijuana is just as important. As it becomes more widely legalized and accepted, the risk of abuse has increased. Unfortunately, the discussion surrounding its regulation has not kept pace with its increasing strength. Today’s marijuana is much stronger than it was decades ago, and I believe we lack adequate regulation to protect our communities.

Marijuana abuse is an issue that is not talked about enough, especially given its effects on young, developing brains. As a caregiver, I see this as a growing problem. It is critical that we have open conversations and implement stronger protections to prevent the abuse of marijuana, just as we do with opioids. The responsibility to regulate and educate is a shared responsibility and we must act now before it becomes a bigger problem.

While National Substance Abuse Prevention Month and Take Back Day are important markers, our responsibility to prevent substance abuse extends year-round. As a health care provider, I am committed to educating my patients about the risks of opioid and marijuana use and to offer alternatives when possible. As a member of the community, I am dedicated to raising awareness of Take Back Day and other prevention initiatives.

Addiction does not have to remain a silent epidemic. Together we can highlight it and ensure our communities are places where young people feel supported, informed and empowered to make healthier choices.

Dr. Robert John is an oral and maxillofacial surgeon, founder of Troy Oral Surgery and advocates for addiction prevention.