Blog Two: Substance Use in America Compared to Global Figures

How Does America Compare to Global Figures on Substance Use?

America vs Europe: Opioid Misuse and Opioid Related Death

       ⭐ Approximately 11.5 million Americans misuse opioids in the United States, it is estimated that in Europe this number is approximately half (van den Brink et al., 2022). Why is Europe able to keep opioid consumption at a rate that is so much lower than in the United States?

• Stricter prescription drug regulations that do not have automatic refills (van den Brink et al., 2022).
• No direct-to-consumer advertisement (van den Brink et al., 2022).
• Initial focus on psychological pain management as opposed to use of opioids (van den Brink et al., 2022).
• Personal possession of opioids is de-panelized (van den Brink et al., 2022).
• Drug policy is focused on public health and harm reduction (van den Brink et al., 2022).
• Prescription drug monitoring programs exist to stop "doctor shopping" (van den Brink et al., 2022).
• Opioid dependence treatment is accessible, highly available, and comes with full financial reimbursement (van den Brink et al., 2022).

        ⭐But even more of note is the difference in opioid related deaths in America vs in Europe. What are they doing different?

• Access to drug testing services (van den Brink et al., 2022).
• Free naloxone take-home kits (van den Brink et al., 2022).
• Supervised consumption rooms (van den Brink et al., 2022).
• Evidence-based treatment programs (van den Brink et al., 2022).
• Highly accessible and free or fully reimbursed treatment programs (van den Brink et al., 2022).

References

van den Brink, W., Pierce, M., & van Amsterdam, J. (2022). What lessons from Europe’s experience could be applied in the United States in response to the opioid addiction and overdose crisis? Addiction, 117(5), 1197–1198. https://doi.org/10.1111/add.15839