The Opioid Epidemic: What Does it Mean for Nurses?

Area of Science:

• Nursing
• Pharmacology
• Genetics
• Neuroscience

Background:

• The United States confronts a severe opioid epidemic, causing numerous annual deaths from heroin and prescription opiate misuse.
• Nurses are vital in healthcare, offering education, prevention, and treatment for opioid use disorders (OUD).

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore the anatomy, physiology, and genetics of addiction.
• To examine the relationship between addiction's biological underpinnings and pharmacological treatments for OUD.
• To highlight the expanding role of advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs) in providing medication-assisted treatments (MATs), including buprenorphine, following the Comprehensive Addiction and Recovery Act.

Main Methods:

• Literature review and synthesis of current research on addiction neurobiology and pharmacology.
• Analysis of the role of nurses in OUD management and treatment.
• Examination of legislative changes impacting APRN scope of practice in MATs.

Main Results:

• Addiction involves complex interactions of anatomy, physiology, and genetics.
• Pharmacological MATs, particularly buprenorphine, are effective in treating OUD.
• APRNs are poised to play a greater role in delivering MATs.

Conclusions:

• Nurses are essential in addressing the opioid crisis through comprehensive care strategies.
• Understanding the biological basis of addiction informs effective pharmacological interventions.
• Policy changes support expanded access to evidence-based OUD treatment by APRNs.