News Releases and Coverage Opioids Substance Use

Pharmacist-led opioid stewardship programs help bridge the gap between managing pain and minimizing risk

Although the Downtown Eastside often comes to mind when people think of opioid abuse, proper stewardship of opioids in hospital settings can mitigate future harm from both overuse and overzealous restrictions. (Photo credit: The Georgia Straight)
Although the Downtown Eastside often comes to mind when people think of opioid abuse, proper stewardship of opioids in hospital settings can mitigate future harm from both overuse and overzealous restrictions. (Photo credit: The Georgia Straight)

By Tamara Mihic, Kseniya Chernushkin, and Ruthdol Ywaya

The overdose public-health emergency has brought necessary attention to the dangers of the toxic street-drug supply that, in combination with untreated addiction, has fuelled overdoses both provincially and nationally.

That attention has also led to misunderstanding—both by the general public and among healthcare providers—about opioids and opioid use. We’ve seen in jurisdictions across North America how improper prescribing of opioids can lead to downstream harms for the patient, including addiction and overdose.

Click here for the full story on The Georgia Straight.