The trainer must contribute to the safe and effective treatment of addictive drugs, and thus prevent the development of drug addiction in patients.
The guide replaces the following guides: the national professional guide to addictive drugs, demand and professionalism, and the national professional guide to the use of opioids for long-term non-cancer pain.
Guide to addictive drugs
Prescribing and opting out of addictive drugs is sometimes seen as demanding by many physicians. They are safe and effective when used as directed. With regular use over time, it can lead to a lack of effect due to the development of tolerance and addiction to the drug.
- Drugs that are addictive, if used incorrectly, can have serious consequences for the individual patient, his relationship with loved ones and society as a whole. Doctors have a great responsibility to make good medical assessments to meet patients' needs. The new guide could hopefully make it easier for doctors to evaluate, says Deputy Director of Quality and Course, Morten Græsli.
Most people use these medications as directed
Data from the prescription registry show that around 1,2 million Norwegians received at least one prescription for an addictive drug in pharmacies in 2020. This mainly applies to benzodiazepines and benzodiazepine-like drugs for sleep disorders and anxiety, as well as opioids for various pain conditions. Most people use these medications as directed. About 60 Norwegians still use opioids.
"It is important that the doctor and the patient first consider whether treatment with addictive drugs is the best option or whether other measures should be considered," emphasizes Græsli.
Guide to addictive drugs. Its content is intended to protect patients
The guide provides doctors with a professional framework, guidance and practical tools to make treatment with addictive drugs safe and effective. In addition, the content is intended to protect patients, take them into account in the choice of treatment and follow-up. The guide is intended to contribute to ensuring a good relationship with the attending physician.
The new guide is concise and more user-friendly
The main lines of professional recommendations for reliever therapy with benzodiazepines, benzodiazepines and opioids continue. The new guide is concise and more user-friendly than previous versions. Reminds treating physicians that there is room for improvement in both treatment selection and patient follow-up. This is especially true for patients with anxiety conditions, sleep problems or chronic pain conditions that are not caused by cancer.
Source: helsedirektoratet.no
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