University Presentation Showcase: Undergraduate Division

Trading Addiction: An Analysis of Prescription and Non-Prescription Opioid Abuse

Presenter Hometown

London, Kentucky

Major

Chemistry

Mentor

Lisa S. Middleton

Mentor Department

Biological Sciences

Abstract

Opioid abuse, addiction, and overdose is a serious public health concern that has plagued the healthcare system for the last thirty years. The compiled research in the following paper explores the rise of the opioid epidemic, the implications of more recent prescription monitoring and pain management programs, the relationship between non-prescription and prescription opioids, and the current face of the epidemic, illicit opioids. Kentucky has, unfortunately, been at the forefront of this epidemic with regard to both prescription and illicit opioids. Policy reformation and preventative action must be taken into consideration in regard to the relationship between prescription and non-prescription opioid use. Addressing the relationship is crucial to ensure by fighting one addiction we are not unknowingly promoting another in order to effectively turn the tide on the opioid epidemic.

Key words: diversion, OxyContin, illicit opioids, heroin, naloxone, overdose, opioid use disorders

Presentation format

Poster

Share

COinS
 

Trading Addiction: An Analysis of Prescription and Non-Prescription Opioid Abuse

Opioid abuse, addiction, and overdose is a serious public health concern that has plagued the healthcare system for the last thirty years. The compiled research in the following paper explores the rise of the opioid epidemic, the implications of more recent prescription monitoring and pain management programs, the relationship between non-prescription and prescription opioids, and the current face of the epidemic, illicit opioids. Kentucky has, unfortunately, been at the forefront of this epidemic with regard to both prescription and illicit opioids. Policy reformation and preventative action must be taken into consideration in regard to the relationship between prescription and non-prescription opioid use. Addressing the relationship is crucial to ensure by fighting one addiction we are not unknowingly promoting another in order to effectively turn the tide on the opioid epidemic.

Key words: diversion, OxyContin, illicit opioids, heroin, naloxone, overdose, opioid use disorders