Work together to prevent substance abuse in communities

Robert John
| The Detroit News

As an oral and maxillofacial surgeon, I have spent over 20 years treating patients of all ages. My responsibility extends beyond the walls of my office, involving much more than extracting teeth or fixing fractured jaws. I continually advocate for the overall health and well-being of my patients – before, during and after their time in my care. As we observe National Substance Abuse Prevention Month, this commitment has never been more important.

In 2017, the opioid crisis was declared a public health emergency, and today it remains a major challenge. According to the US Department of Health and Human Services, 10.1 million people abused prescription opioids in the past year. Nonmedical use of prescription painkillers has been the second most common form of illicit drug use in the country for more than a decade.

As an oral surgeon, I have seen how vulnerable young people can be. It is common for teenagers to undergo the removal of wisdom teeth, often accompanied by a prescription for opioids for post-surgical pain. Unfortunately, these opioids can open the door to addiction, leading to deadly consequences.

Opioid addiction does not discriminate based on age, gender or socioeconomic status. I have witnessed its impact on people from all walks of life. It’s time to raise awareness about opioid addiction and how everyone can contribute to prevention. Whether you are a healthcare provider, educator, family member, or community leader, we all have a role to play.

The first step in fighting substance abuse is to talk about it. Many of my patients are teenagers or young adults, and I make it a point to engage in these conversations with them and their parents. I urge parents to be fully aware of the risks associated with pain medication prescribed to their children.

Alternative pain management strategies are essential. In many cases, over-the-counter medications such as ibuprofen and acetaminophen are just as effective in controlling post-surgical pain. Ice packs can also help manage swelling and discomfort.

Talking about substance abuse might be uncomfortable, but it’s necessary. Open dialogue reduces the stigma around substance use, creating a safer space for vulnerable patients. This includes those with mental health disorders, a history of substance abuse and, in particular, our younger population.

Teenagers and young adults are at greater risk of substance abuse due to peer pressure, stress and curiosity. Health care providers and parents must work together to ensure that youth understand the real risks of opioid abuse.

Providers should take the time to educate patients and their families, and parents should feel empowered to ask questions. It is also essential to dispose of unused medicines properly. National Prescription Drug Take Back Day, October 26, provides a safe way to do this and reduce the chances of these drugs falling into the wrong hands.

This day is a vital initiative that provides a simple yet effective way to reduce the availability of unused opioids and other prescription drugs. I encourage everyone to check their medicine cabinets and dispose of medications safely.

While opioids have dominated the substance abuse conversation, it is just as important to address marijuana. As it becomes more widely legalized and accepted, the potential for abuse has increased. Unfortunately, the discussion surrounding its regulation has not kept pace with its increasing potency. Marijuana today is much stronger than it was decades ago and I believe we lack sufficient regulation to protect our communities.

Marijuana abuse is an under-discussed issue, especially given its effects on the young, developing brain. As a healthcare provider, I see this as a growing concern. It is essential that we have open conversations and implement stronger protections to prevent the abuse of marijuana, as we do with opioids. The responsibility to regulate and educate is a shared one and we need to act now before it becomes a bigger problem.

While National Substance Abuse Prevention Month and Take Back Day are important markers, our responsibility to prevent substance abuse extends throughout the year. As a healthcare provider, I am committed to educating my patients about the risks of opioid and marijuana use and providing alternatives whenever possible. As a community member, I am dedicated to raising awareness of Take Back Day and other prevention initiatives.

Substance abuse must not remain a silent epidemic. Together, we can bring it to light, ensuring our communities are places where young people feel supported, informed and empowered to make healthier choices.

Dr. Robert John is an oral and maxillofacial surgeon, founder of Troy Oral Surgery and substance abuse prevention advocate.