41. Prevention vs. Prescription: The Question About Opioids

Physicians face many challenges in treating people living with pain, especially in light of the U.S. opioid overdose epidemic. In today's episode, we speak with Dr. Chris Jones on how physicians are handling these challenges, and the steps CDC is taking at a community level to help address the issue.

Dr. Chris Jones is Director of the National Center for Injury Prevention and Control at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Dr. Jones's career in public health includes leadership and advisory roles at the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and Mental Health. 

This month's episode is hosted by Dr. Judy Monroe, president and CEO of the CDC Foundation.

For full episode transcription, visit Contagious Conversations.

Key Takeaways:

[1:39] Dr. Jones talks about his role at CDC.

[3:15] Dr. Jones discusses the impact of the opioid epidemic in the United States.

[5:05] Dr. Jones speaks of CDC’s Clinical Practice Guideline for Prescribing Opioids for Pain that was released last November.

[5:41] What challenges do physicians face when treating people dealing with chronic pain during the opioid epidemic?

[9:24] What was the response from physicians and pharmacists to the opioid prescribing guidelines released in 2022?

[12:50] Dr. Jones talks about the work CDC is doing regarding the opioid epidemic at a community level.

[17:48] Dr. Jones highlights the value of collaboration.

[19:58] What is the greatest opportunity to address the opioid overdose epidemic?

Mentioned in This Episode:

Learn more about the work of CDC regarding the opioid epidemic