Many pain and disability foundations , and millions of people are being harmed by the mandated supply production to be cut, as ODs only rose to the highest in history while safe Gold Standard opioid analgesics+ many scheduled meds have been reduced to a dangerous level. Also the FDA and FTC should dictate medical matters, not the DOJ. It hinders the patient/MD rapport.
Why this is so dangerous, is because studies do suggest that many true chronic pain patients, have to turn to illicit drugs or lose their job because of mobility limitations, uncontrolled pain, etc… The mixture of pain, possible co morbid or chronic illness can absolutely increase chances of further medical issues.
In research I found that it is estimated that only some 4% of medications are made here in the US (and we can) produce even our own synthetic, semi synthetic, and other general medicines creating jobs. This is esp important for OTPs and in general to NOT rely on esp China and India for these medications.
The War waged sadly has affected people who generally are suffering from a true DSM diagnosis of Substance use disorder, and a disability but now with medication shortages could hinder mental health etc. an example could be ADHD medication shortages.
We have to function on a informed consent, as we are adults and often know what can improve our Quality of life, esp with a MD managing medications etc. Public Health has got to be independent of the DOJ. Increasing also OTPs is a great idea, esp the " Modernizing Opioid Treatment Access Act". There is a healthy balance and I am positive the next 4 years will be great!
The Policy is just based on harm reduction, which in my opinion is also going to be a great policy to institute as we meet people where they are in the medical realm. Also Advocates can help people so much better when individually applying Health goals and plans without a “third wheel involved”
All that is required for a PHE is “A public health emergency (PHE) is a situation that has the potential to cause widespread illness or harm to a population’s health.”(Already happening) Until quotas go back to sustainable production levels of opioids, and all other non or Scheduled medications and to be determined solely by non “PROP” MDs, and only MDs board certified in Pain, in addition to treating rare pain diseases/illness, SUD treatment, or anesthesia.