The special role of psychology in re-framing the opioid epidemic

The special role of psychology in re-framing the opioid epidemic

Every day, an average of 130 persons in the United States die from an opioid overdose, whether from heroin, synthetic opioids like fentanyl, or prescription medicines. An estimated 300,000 Americans have died as a result of opioid overdoses since the epidemic began in the 1990s, and the problem is not anticipated to go away anytime soon.

This is a situation that necessitates the application of all of our field's knowledge and talents. Psychologists are uniquely qualified to confront this issue since they are experts in human behavior. In this issue's special article on the opioid crisis, we highlight the following ways psychologists are helping: Behavioral methods to improve treatment. Psychologists are addressing the comorbid conditions that typically accompany substance use, such as pain, anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder, as part of treatment teams.

Developing programs that are ecologically conscious. Psychologists are developing programs that deal at the requirements of persons with opioid use disorder on a more holistic level, assisting them with work, housing, and relationships. People are being taught how to manage pain without the need of medicines. Clinical psychologists are using cognitive-behavioral therapy and other evidence-based treatments to assist patients cope with pain in their efforts to prevent opioid use disorder. Better screening tools are being developed. Psychologists' evaluations are assisting in determining which chronic pain patients are at a higher risk of opioid misuse and should not be provided opioids. Changes in opioid policies and practices are being advocated for.

Through activism at the federal, state, and local levels, the American Psychological Association (APA) and individual psychologists are having a direct and indirect impact on the opioid crisis. Efforts include, among other things, expanding financing for pain and opioid research, raising payment rates to increase the number of treatment providers, and modifying prescribing procedures.

I'd want to use this opportunity to highlight the great work of a cross-divisional task group of the American Psychological Association. Representatives from the American Psychological Association's Div. 12 (Society of Clinical Psychology), Div. 28 (Psychopharmacology and Substance Abuse), and Div. 50 (Society of Addiction Psychology) developed The Opioid Guide: A Resource Guide for Practicing Psychologists, drawing on expertise from multiple subfields of psychology. In "Resources for Psychologists," you can get a quick overview of the handbook.

As this month's special report demonstrates, psychologists are making unique and critical contributions to combating the opioid crisis, one of the country's most serious health problems. We are not content to remain spectators. Please join us in our efforts to make a significant difference in this vital societal issue.