Drug addicts drugs used 146-7 education

McKeganey, N., Barnard, M. and McIntosh, J. (2002) Paying the price for their parent s addiction meeting the needs of the children of drug using parents. Drugs Education, Prevention andPolicy 9, 3, 233-246. 

Educating the Patient and Famiiy The nurse instructs patients under treatment for narcotic addiction to wear or carry identification indicating that they are receiving naltrexone If the patient is taking naltrexone and requires hospitalization, it is important that all medical personnel be aware of therapy with this drug. Narcotics administered to these patients have no effect and therefore do not relieve pain. Fhtients receiving naltrexone may pose a problem if they experience acute pain. The primary health care provider must decide what methods must be used to control pain in these patients. 

Local legislation limits the availability and choice of opioids in many countries, but there can also be a reluctance to prescribe opioids for non-cancer pain due to the assumption that susceptible individuals may become addicted to these potent drugs through abuse. However, if opioids are prescribed on an individual basis with adequate support and education for the patients as well as their familes or carers, a great deal of unnecessary chronic pain and suffering can be prevented. But today there are still several unresolved clinical issues surrounding opioid use for which there is no data to construct a suitable policy. 

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