Addressing Missouri’s Substance Abuse Problem

(MISSOURINET) – Lawmakers are getting started this summer addressing Missouri’s substance abuse problem. A task force focusing on that meets once a month at the state capitol. Last week, lawmakers heard testimony from medical professionals in the field. Joshua Moore, MO HealthNet’s Director of Pharmacy explains their approach to treating pain…

In trying to reduce overdoses from pharmaceutical opioids, he found that it was easier for patients to get an opioid versus a non-opioid to treat pain. One approach they have taken involves prioritizing treatments based on how many opioids a patient was taking versus monitoring how long someone is taking them.