The CDC estimates there were 401 overdose deaths from opioids in Minnesota last year–out of a total of 715 overdose deaths. That’s an increase of nearly 10-percent over 2016. Regions Hospital neurologist Dr. Bret Haake says even though doctors are prescribing opioids less “I’m a little bit afraid that as we have restricted the amount of prescription opioids going to the market that other people are turning to other ways to get their opioids.”
Dr. Haake says that includes less predictable routes–like buying drugs on the streets. He says one of the ways to reverse the opioid epidemic is to change the way we treat pain and limit the amount of opioids put into the market. Dr. Haake urges people who feel stuck to “seek out treatment–we have abilities to help maintain them in a way where we can get them off opioids or maintain their health in a way that doesn’t make them have to feel so horrible or sick or feel so deserted.” Today is International Overdose Awareness Day. Here’s more with Dr. Haake: