Armed Forces News

The Navy’s deputy chief medical officer has outlined a plan to manage opioid therapy, which would entail addressing the needs of patients in pain and curbing the abuse epidemic.

“We are tackling this issue head-on in a thoughtful and methodical way, as these medications can greatly decrease pain and improve quality of life,” Deputy Surgeon General Rear Adm. Terry J. Moulton said April 11. “At the same time, we have a duty to ensure we are using them in a way that minimizes abuse and addiction.”

With the plan, medical teams will conduct screenings of both new and long-term patients for risk of suicide and abuse. Patients will have to sign informed-consent agreements and undergo urinalysis as well. Throughout treatment, clinicians will review patients’ cases to determine of opioids are still appropriate.

Navy medicine is also promoting alternative methods of pain control — to include other non-opioid medications, physical therapy, chiropractic massage, acupuncture, and surgery if necessary.

“Long-term use of opioids can be effective in limited, selective cases, but beginning and continuing such therapy should be an informed decision,” said Cmdr. Leo Carney, the director of Navy Primary Care and Mental Health.