As the Opioid Crisis continues to plow across our country, officials have faced another problematic situation which could potentially skyrocket into an emergency. Recently, despite receiving warnings about the possibility of addiction, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved a new opioid called Dsuvia, a variation of the drug sufentanil ((a dangerously powerful injectable painkiller), this new opioid comes in a pill form and is slipped under the tongue by means of a single-use applicator. So what has officials on edge? Well, the fact that Dsuvia is 10 times more powerful than fentanyl is a good place to start. Let’s take a closer look at this new opioid and see why it could be a potentially deadly contributor to the Opioid Crisis.
Regulation Guaranteed
In a recent statement, FDA Commissioner Scott Gottlieb reassured that the drug would be used by doctors and other medical professionals, only. More specifically, Dsuvia will be administered in hospitals, surgical centers, and emergency rooms and would be strictly regulated. For example, as Gottlieb explained, the drug cannot (under any circumstances) be prescribed for home use and cannot be consumed outside a 72-hour period. In other words, do not expect to see Dsuvia on the shelves of your local pharmacies any time soon.
So what purpose does Dsuvia serve? According to Gottlieb, the design of the administration device is essential for soldiers on the battlefield and, ultimately, is valuable for members of the Pentagon.
What about Abuse?
In the wake of this announcement, critics have contradicted the FDA’s decision in the wake of the Opioid Crisis in the United States. As emphasized by Dr. Anna Lembke (chief of the Stanford University Addiction Medicine Dual Diagnosis Clinic), the last thing our society needs right now is another mind-altering painkiller with addictive properties. Dsuvia is a particularly nasty opioid, and patients who take it are putting themselves at a high risk for addiction. Recently, Dr. Raeford Brown (chair of the board that recommended the drug) predicted that our society will experience abuse, violence, and death in the early months following Dsuvia’s release.
Always remember that opioids do not have control over your life. You do. Are you suffering from a substance use disorder or a severe form of addiction? Do you have a friend or family member suffering from one or more of these debilitating illnesses? If you do, get in touch with Asana Recovery today. Our counselors and healthcare experts are ready to walk you through every step of the detox and withdrawal process and rehabilitation and guide you towards living a happier, healthier, and freer lifestyle. While the road to recovery might not be an easy road to travel, we promise to help you every step of the way. Take the first step to stay fit, healthy, and safe.
The time for you to take back control of your life is now. If you are interested in one of our residential treatment or supervised detoxification/withdrawal programs, we are ready and waiting to speak with you at your disclosure. Call Asana now at (949) 438-4504 to learn how to overcome your drug abuse or addiction troubles today.
