December 6, 2024: Advocacy Update on 2024 AMA Overdose Report Highlights

AMA recently 2024 Overdose Epidemic Reportrepresents progress in harm reduction services and policies promoting evidence-based care, but continues to be a challenge as the nation's drug overdose epidemic continues at near-historic levels. It's highlighted. The AMA welcomes recent data showing reductions in drug-related mortality, but as the 2024 report shows, it takes much more effort to save lives and improve outcomes for individuals with substance use disorders and pain. , many steps still need to be taken.

In addition to the national data cited in the report, the AMA has produced detailed state-by-state graphs to help medical societies highlight specific state-level trends to policymakers and public health officials. I did. These trends reiterate the need for policies to remove barriers to evidence-based care, rather than focusing solely on restrictions and mandates, to reduce mortality and improve outcomes. I am. National data shows that:

• Opioid prescriptions have decreased by 51.7% since 2012. State-level declines from 2012 to 2023 ranged from 36% to 68%. [See chart for state-by-state level data (PDF)]

• State prescription drug monitoring programs will be used more than 1.4 billion times in 2023, a staggering increase from 2014, when they were used only 61 million times. [See chart for state-by-state level data (PDF)]

• Buprenorphine dispensed from retail pharmacies appears to have plateaued, due to longer prescriptions, pharmacies' reluctance to stock the drug, and confusion and fear over the DEA's questionable ordering requirements. etc. are possible. [See chart for state-by-state level data (PDF)]

• Retail dispensed naloxone continues to grow. From 2018 to 2023, the number of naloxone prescriptions increased from approximately 555,000 to approximately 2.2 million. [See chart for state-by-state level data (PDF)]

“Half measures and outdated policies are costing lives and we urge policymakers to take action.” said Bobby Mukamara, MD, AMA President-Elect and Chair of the AMA Substance Use and Pain Care Task Force. “Thousands of families and communities have been devastated by overdose deaths, and the time for gradual change has passed. We will expand access to lifesaving medicines and We need an unwavering commitment to enforcing the Equality Act and addressing the glaring gaps in harm reduction where outdated policies and insurance barriers prevent patients from receiving evidence-based treatment. We cannot remain silent about the situation.”

This report provides a national perspective on infectious diseases, highlights multiple best practices, and provides detailed explanations and specific policy recommendations for state and federal policymakers.

• Meaningful enforcement of state and federal mental health and substance use disorder parity laws

• Addressing opioid use disorder (MOUD) through efforts such as removing outdated buprenorphine prior authorization dose requirements, allowing methadone to be prescribed outside of opioid treatment program settings, and having the DEA remove buprenorphine from suspicious order reporting requirements. Increase access to therapeutics. news

• Eliminating punitive policies for pregnant and parenting individuals who rely on MOUD

• Eliminate harmful one-size-fits-all restrictions on opioid treatment that are inconsistent with the policies of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and a coalition of state medical associations.

• Urge payers to increase access to a variety of non-opioid pain treatment options

• Increased access to naloxone in pharmacies, schools, universities, and public facilities

• Support efforts to fund and make other evidence-based harm reduction efforts, such as syringe service programs and overdose prevention centers, more widely available.

“The AMA, the Substance Use and Pain Care Task Force, and physicians across the country are urging policymakers, health insurance companies, and other payers to provide evidence-based treatment for substance use disorders, pain care, and harm reduction.” We continue to call for the barriers to access to be removed once and for all,” Dr Mukkamala said. “Delaying or denying this care only increases suffering and death. Ending the epidemic is possible, but much more needs to be done.”

Read the full report (PDF).