Drug Abuse on Opioids; Opioids are drugs such as heroin, fentanyl, morphine, codeine, and oxycodone that have chemicals that act in the nervous system to relieve pain or produce a feeling of pleasure. Individuals with opioid addiction report a compelling urge to use drugs even in times they longer require them. The National Institute of Drug Abuse claims that approximately 2 million individuals in the U.S. abuse opioids (NIDA, 2020). As of 2016, about 42,000 people in America succumbed to opioid-related complications (Lyden & Binswanger, 2019). Between 21 and 29 percent of people with opioids prescriptions, the majority overdose, and 8-12 percent of individuals develop opioid use disorder (Lyden & Binswanger, 2019).

In 2018, the overall opioid prescribing rate in the U.S. was 51.4 in every 100 people (Lyden & Binswanger, 2019). About 3.6 percent of youths aged 12-17 in the United States were found to misuse opioids in the previous year (Lyden & Binswanger, 2019). The Centers for Disease Control posited that the annual cost burden caused by misuse of opioid in the U.S. is about $78.5 billion (Lyden & Binswanger, 2019).

Opioids addiction has been on the rise in America in the recent past. The federal government of America responded to the issue by introducing the Comprehensive Addiction and Recovery Act (CARA). CARA is a policy developed to address the epidemic of opioid (Kennedy-Stewart, 2016). The original bill was tabled in the house during the 114th congress. It was signed into law by President Barrack Obama on July 22, 2016. The policy focuses on prevention of opioid-related disorders and education of adults, teens, and the aging population in the country (Kennedy-Stewart, 2016). The Comprehensive Addiction and Recovery Act was introduced in the flour of the house by Representative Jim Sensenbrenner and senator Sheldon Whitehouse (Kennedy-Stewart, 2016). The act was considered by the senate judiciary before approval and passed in the Senate on May 13, 2016 (Kennedy-Stewart, 2016). Drug Abuse on Opioids

Advanced practice registered nurses may play a critical role in the promotion of the CARA. The APRN may educates patients together with their families on disease prevention and is involved in the direct treatment of illnesses. This means that the nurses can first treat patients with opioids use disorder and later educate them on the dangers associated with the behavior. Additionally, APRN educates patients on the available opioid addiction preventive measures.

The CARA policy influences clinical practice because it is divided into sections such as law enforcement and treatment, addressing collateral consequences, and treatment and recovery (Dobrowolska et al., 2015). This is because the CARA policy impacts the allocation of resources necessary for delivering care to patients in the United States. The policy also promotes the best outcome by preventing the development of opioid disorders, availing medications, and providing quality care. Drug Abuse on Opioids

A multidisciplinary team can use the CARA policy to ensure coordinated care to the most affected states in America. For instance, physicians can use the CARA policy to study the medical history of a patient. Mental health care workers can also use the policy to provide care to people with mental health issues. Doctors also can use the CARA policy in their practice of medicine. Read more

In conclusion, the CARA policy was introduced by Representative Jim Sensenbrenner and Senator Sheldon Whitehouse. The policy focuses on prevention of illnesses caused by addition of adults, teens, and the seniors. It also strengthens the prescription and drug monitoring programs in the United States. The APRN promotes the CARA by educating patients and their families on disease prevention. The CARA policy impacts the allocation of resources necessary for delivering care to patients in the United States. It also promotes the best outcome by preventing the development of opioid disorders, availing medications, and providing quality care.