The crisis refers to the rapid increase in prescription opioid pain pills in the United States, This increase has led to skyrocketing rates of heroin use. This increase has also led to a significant increase in addiction and health related complications.
The crisis refers to the rapid increase in prescription opioid pain pills in the United States, This increase has led to skyrocketing rates of heroin use. This increase has also led to a significant increase in addiction and health related complications.
Working with clients who are dependent on opioids requires self-care, cultural competence, implementation of professional boundaries, and addiction/recovery knowledge.
Research and Training for Professionals
Federal policy for the training of professionals working with clients dependent on opioids already exists (Levin et al. 2016). Expansion of this training can promote additional specialized knowledge for professionals.
RESEARCH
Research may focus on innovative treatments for opioid addiction, the efficacy of treatment modalities, pain control measures, holistic and integrative care for clients, and spirituality and addiction.
WHO SHOULD CONDUCT THE TRAINING?
Addiction researchers, healthcare professionals, policymakers, people impacted by the crisis and people in recovery should conduct various ongoing training. Training should target any professional who works with people in opioid recovery. A minimal level of yearly training for all addiction professionals would promote a deeper understanding of the complexities of opioid addiction.
1. New relevant clinical research regarding opioid addiction: new pain control measures, clinical treatment modalities, and innovative collaboration.
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2. Work-related stress is highly likely when dealing with addiction. Therefore the addiction professional at all levels should engage in professional boundaries and self-care (Shapiro et al. 2007).
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3. Addiction professionals must manage the often intricate presentations of their clients, which can affect their own well being. Thus, helping professionals should be aware of the dangers of vicarious trauma (Newell and MacNeil, 2010). Read more about vicarious trauma below.
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4. Cultural competence for addiction professionals and policymakers is imperative. The social and cultural needs of minority groups with opioid preventative campaigns and treatment should be at the forefront of opioid policy development and treatment (SAMSHA, 2014).