New Updates to Opioid Use Disorder Practice Guideline in Canada

In a bid to address the far-reaching implications of the ongoing opioid crisis in Canada, a noteworthy update to the existing opioid use disorder (OUD) practice guidelines was announced recently. This development is expected to have profound effects on combatting the surging opioid-related issues gripping the country and its vulnerable populations. To delve deeper into this development, we review a recent article published by Dalhousie University.

New Aspects in the Updated Guidelines

The newly updated guideline expands the recommended first-line treatments for opioid use disorder. For the first time, it expressly includes consideration for pregnant people in its scope. With opioids impacting diverse communities indiscriminately, this inclusive approach is of paramount importance.

Pregnant People and Opioid Use

The updated guidelines articulate the need for the evidence-based care for pregnant people in response to their unique vulnerabilities in the opioid crisis. This inclusion seeks to mitigate the risks posed to both the pregnant individual and the unborn child due to opioid dependency and withdrawal.

Impact of the Opioid Crisis

The ripple effect of the opioid crisis has been significant – affecting not just the health of individuals, but also societal structures, leading to resultant spikes in homelessness and crime rates. This necessitates comprehensive action plans, including mass education, improved access to naloxone kits, and updated medical guidelines like the one discussed herein.

National Opioid Class Action

The severity of the opioids situation has led to a national opioid class action in Canada. This seeks to hold pharmaceutical companies accountable for their alleged role in exacerbating this crisis. Updates to opioid treatment guidelines, such as the one from Dalhousie University, can potentially shape the resolution of such legal actions, and more importantly, the future direction of opioid management and policy reforms.

Key points from the Updated Guideline

• The guidelines note that buprenorphine/naloxone should be the preferred first-line treatment for OUD due to its safety profile.
• For those who can’t access or tolerate the first-line treatment, non-injection, slow-release oral morphine or methadone should be considered.
• Emphasis is also given on the need for trauma-informed care, and considerations for cultural safety for Indigenous communities.

Efforts to Combat the Opioid Crisis

Apart from changes to the practice guidelines, numerous initiatives are underway to deal with the opioid crisis. Widespread dissemination of naloxone – a life-saving medication that can reverse an opioid overdose, and increased access to harm reduction services are among the steps being taken to tackle this issue.

Addressing Homelessness and Crime

Given the connection between opioids and social issues such as homelessness and crime, initiatives focusing on housing-first approaches and rehabilitation programs are integral to a holistic solution to the opioid crisis. Moreover, improvement in social policies and services could directly impact the success rate of the treatment and management of opioid use disorder.

Conclusion

The report from Dalhousie University underscores the imperative to continuously update and broaden our approaches to managing opioid use disorder. It’s a clear call for innovative, evidence-based, and inclusive strategies to mitigate the far-reaching effects of the opioid crisis.

This updated guideline, and its inclusivity towards pregnant people, marks a significant step forwards in our collective fight against the opioid crisis. Moreover, the recommendations made pay heed to current social issues, indigenous communities, and existing effective treatments.

While these advancements and adaptations are commendable, sustained multi-sectoral efforts focussed on education, prevention, harm reduction, policy change, and specialized care are critical. Only then can we hope to not just address the individual instances of opioid misuse, but effectively counteract the opioid crisis in its entirety.