As we continue to fight the ongoing fight against opioids on the shores of the United States, a similar situation is taking place along the beaches and in the forests of our long-distance neighbor Australia. For a while now, the government has been struggling to fight overwhelming issues with opioid addiction, opioid-related death, and a severe crystal meth epidemic, to boot. However, as it turns out, one legal activity may have put a massive dent in the opioid problem in Australia (at least, for now). Recently, the government put major restrictions on codeine, a common opioid, and opioid prescriptions rates have not subsequently risen. Let’s take a closer look and see if this new action is working.
Tracking Opioid Activity
Over the course of three years, the Monash Addiction Research Center has been assessing activity related to opioid use and confirmed that a recent restriction on codeine may be helping the Australian opioid problem. Recently, lawmakers decided to up-schedule codeine (moving it up a rank) so patients would be required to get it via prescription only and not over-the-counter. In an interview with 7.30, Suzanne Nielsen, an Associate Professor at Monash University, revealed how the rates of prescription opioid use are diminishing in certain departments.
No Real Changes Here
Pharmacists on the front lines, however, have a different description. Anthony Tassone, of the Pharmacy Guild of Australia, disagrees with these recent observations and believes that the up-scheduling of codeine will never help the situation. Overall, he and colleagues at his pharmacy have witnessed prescriptions for PBS-subsidized codeine increase, due to the fact that the drug is no longer widely available.
However, Professor Nielsen explained that patients can now find better, safer alternatives to codeine due to these restrictions. Overall, she confirms that Australians, including medical professionals and civilians, have been relying on the fake safety nets of opioids for too long.
Seeking Treatment for Opioid Use Disorder
Opioid use disorder is easily one of the most terrifying substance use disorders on the planet, mostly because opioid addiction partially stems from a large number of drugs that are legally regulated by the federal government. For decades, our country has suffered beneath the weight of dangerous synthetics and legal painkillers, and millions of Americans have suffered from addiction throughout the 20 years the crisis has been brewing. However, you can make the right decision by taking a stand against your addiction and regaining your health and happiness.
If you are suffering from a severe case of drug addiction, or have a friend or loved one who is coping with this illness, get in touch with Asana Recovery today. Our professional team of counselors and healthcare experts will help you endure the painful process of opioid withdrawal and detox and guide you along the rocky road of rehabilitation. Soon enough, you will experience a faster and much more efficient recovery.
If you want to find out more about our residential treatment or supervised detoxification/withdrawal programs or enroll in one of these programs today, we are ready and waiting to speak with you at your leisure and your disclosure. Call Asana now at (949) 438-4504 to learn how you can overcome your mental illness and take an extra step toward becoming a healthier person.
