Opioid Misuse and Addiction Prevention

Overview

The national opioid epidemic grew rapidly into this decade’s defining public health crisis. According to preliminary data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, overdose deaths in 2017 increased by almost 10 percent from 2016 – claiming the lives of more than 70,000 Americans. Nearly 48,000 of those were opioid overdose deaths, with the sharpest increase occurring among deaths related to illicitly made fentanyl and fentanyl analogs (synthetic opioids). The U.S. rate of opioid-related deaths increased more than four-fold between 1999 and 2016.

Signs, Symptoms & Diagnosis

Recognizing the early signs of substance use and mental health challenges can help prevent long-term consequences.

Common indicators include:

• Behavioral changes: Increased secrecy, mood swings, withdrawal from friends or family, or declining performance at work or school
• Physical symptoms: Changes in sleep patterns, weight fluctuations, or frequent illness
• Psychological signs: Increased anxiety, depression, paranoia, or difficulty concentrating

Diagnosis

Healthcare providers use a combination of medical history, behavioral screenings, and toxicology tests to diagnose opioid use disorder (OUD). Early detection improves treatment outcomes, and help is available for those struggling with opioid misuse.

Treatment

Opioid addiction is treatable, and recovery is possible with a comprehensive approach that includes:

• Medication-assisted treatment (MAT): FDA-approved medications, such as buprenorphine, methadone, and naltrexone, help manage withdrawal symptoms and cravings. MAT is a key component of Alaska’s response to the opioid crisis
• Counseling and behavioral therapies: Evidence-based therapies like cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and contingency management support long-term recovery
• Peer and community support: Programs such as Narcotics Anonymous (NA) and recovery coaching provide essential support for individuals in treatment
• Integrated care: Addressing co-occurring conditions, such as depression or PTSD, is crucial for long-term success in recovery

Prevention

Opioid Misuse and Addiction Prevention Program

Our team oversees and coordinates a variety of efforts that support Alaska's response to the opioid epidemic and oversee the updates of the of the Statewide Opioid Action Plan, supporting its implementation. 

Every year, we submit a report to the legislature outlining the State of Alaska’s opioid response efforts:

• Alaska’s Opioid Response 2022-2023
• Alaska’s Opioid Response 2021-2022

Activities

OSMAP receives funding then works to issue it across a variety of state agencies and community organizations to support the opioid response. Projects include:

• Development of an Addiction Medicine Fellowship
• Scale up of DEA DATA-Waivered Providers
• Training public safety officers to teach Mental Health First Aid
• Training to reduce fatigue training for law enforcement and first responders
• Infrastructure support for opioid testing
• Infrastructure support for medical examinations
• Education efforts supported by OSMAP's education program

Resources