A Clinical Approach and Its Implications on Opioid Use Disorder

Overcoming Barriers in Managing Opioid Use Disorder: Strategies for Effective Care

Many people today have a serious health problem called opioid use disorder (OUD). It is part of a bigger group of problems called substance use disorders (SUD). Treating OUD can be hard because everyone has different problems, such as other health issues or pain. Plans should be made for each patient by doctors and other health care workers. They also have to keep up with the latest laws, ethics, and ways to keep patient information safe. The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) of 1996 is an example of a general rule that applies to all patients. However, there are extra rules for people who are getting help with drug or alcohol problems.

This guide talks about how to deal with problems that come up when managing OUD. We talk about patient-centered care, how to talk to patients, stigma, team-based approaches, and the law. Health care providers can help patients get better faster by using these methods. Keywords like “managing opioid use disorder,” “overcoming stigma in OUD,” and “patient-centered care for SUD” bring out important points that make it easier to find and understand.

Learning Objectives

• Explain treatment planning methods that use patient-focused choices and proven ways to talk.
• Name the three kinds of stigma and how they affect people with mental health issues, SUD, and especially OUD.
• Talk about legal, ethical, and privacy concerns in caring for people with OUD.

Effective Treatment Planning with Patient-Centered Decisions

People with complex issues, like mental health problems, SUD, and pain, need special care. Each person shows up differently, so health systems are now focusing on care that puts the patient first.

Patient-centered care means building teams with doctors, patients, and families. They work together to plan, give, and check health care. This way ensures the patient’s needs are met, and their wishes, likes, and family situations are respected. It focuses on shared choices about treatments while seeing the patient as a whole person in their daily life (Dwamena et al., 2012; Bokhour et al., 2018).

Studies show key steps for a good patient-centered plan:

• Take a full patient history and a check-up, reviewing old and new treatments.
• Find all available drug and non-drug options.
• Check the patient’s current health, recent changes, and patterns.
• Look at risks for misusing or abusing opioids.

If starting opioids or if the patient is already on them, think about opioid stewardship. This means checking harms, benefits, risks, side effects, pain control, daily function, drug tests, stop plans, and ways to spot OUD. These programs, sometimes called analgesia stewardship, help manage opioids safely (Harle et al., 2019; Coffin et al., 2022). Guides exist to set them up (American Hospital Association, n.d.; Shrestha et al., 2023).

Integrative chiropractic care can play a big role here. It uses spinal adjustments and targeted exercises to get proper spinal alignment. This helps reduce pain without relying only on drugs, making it a good fit for OUD patients with pain. For example, adjustments fix spine issues that cause pain, and exercises strengthen muscles to keep alignment right.

A Nurse Practitioner (NP) adds full management and ergonomic advice. They look at work setups to prevent pain, such as how to sit or lift. NPs coordinate care by reviewing options such as therapy, meds, and lifestyle changes, ensuring everything works together.

Dr. Alexander Jimenez, DC, APRN, FNP-BC, with over 30 years in chiropractic and as a family nurse practitioner, observes that blending these methods cuts opioid use. At his El Paso clinic, he uses functional medicine to address root causes through nutrition and non-invasive treatments. He notes that poor posture from modern life worsens pain, leading to OUD risks. His teams help patients with self-massage and VR for recovery, reducing drug needs (Jimenez, n.d.a; Jimenez, n.d.b).

Evidence-Based Ways to Communicate

Good talking skills are key to building a patient-centered plan (Schaefer & Block, 2009). There are proven methods for starting conversations and getting patients involved.

One method is BATHE:

• Background: Ask, “How have things been since your last visit?”
• Affect: Ask, “How does this make you feel?”
• Trouble: Ask, “What bothers you most?”
• Handling: Ask, “How are you coping?”
• Empathy: Say, “That sounds hard.”

This uses open questions to let patients lead and feel supported (Stuart & Lieberman, 2018; Thomas et al., 2019).

Another is GREAT:

• Greetings/Goals: Start with hello and set aims.
• Rapport: Build trust.
• Evaluation/Expectation/Examination/Explanation: Check and explain.
• Ask/Answer/Acknowledge: Listen and respond.
• Tacit agreement/Thanks: Agree and thank.

This guide talks well (Brindley et al., 2014).

Motivational interviewing is also useful. It’s a team-style talk to boost a patient’s desire to change. Build a bond, focus on the issue, spark a desire for change, and plan steps (Frost et al., 2018).

These methods emphasize listening, clear communication, and a structured approach to planning. For OUD patients with pain or mental issues, mix techniques for the best results.

Dr. Jimenez shares that in his practice, these talks help patients see non-drug options, such as chiropractic adjustments. He finds that empathy reduces stigma and fear, encouraging openness about OUD (Jimenez, n.d.a).

Understanding Stigma in Mental Health and Substance Use Disorders

Stigma blocks good talk for many with mental health or SUD. It’s attitudes, beliefs, actions, and systems that lead to unfair views and bad treatment (Cheetham et al., 2022).

Studies show stigmas like linking mental illness to violence (Perry, 2011). Media on shootings with mentally ill people strengthens this (McGinty et al., 2014; McGinty et al., 2016; Schomerus et al., 2022). For SUD, people think they’re more dangerous than those with schizophrenia or depression (Schomerus et al., 2011). Society blames people with SUDs more and avoids them (McGinty et al., 2015; Corrigan et al., 2012).

Views come from knowledge, contact with affected people, and the media. Public ideas are tied to norms on causes, blame, and danger. Race, ethnicity, and culture shape attitudes too (Giacco et al., 2014).

Health workers have biases. A survey of VA mental health providers showed awareness of race issues but avoidance of talks, using codes like “urban,” and thinking training stops racism (McMaster et al., 2021).

There are three stigma types:

• Structural Stigma: The ways Society and institutions keep prejudice. In health, it’s worse care, less access to behavioral health. Less funding for mental vs. physical issues (National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine, 2016).
• Public Stigma: General or group attitudes, like police or church norms. Laws reinforce it, like broad mental illness rules implying all are unfit (Corrigan & Shapiro, 2010).
• Self-Stigma: When people internalize stigmas, it leads to low self-worth and shame. “Why try” affects independent living (Corrigan et al., 2009; Clement et al., 2015).

Dr. Jimenez observes that stigma makes OUD patients hide symptoms, delaying care. In his integrative work, he addresses this through education on holistic options, showing that recovery is possible without judgment (Jimenez, n.d.b).

Overcoming Stigma and Addressing Social Factors

To fight stigma, use education, behavior changes, and better care. Laws like the ADA and MHPAEA help ensure equal coverage and prevent discrimination (U.S. Congress, 2009; U.S. Congress, 2008; U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, n.d.; Busch & Barry, 2008; Haffajee et al., 2019).

These address social determinants of health (SDOH), such as coverage, access, quality, education, and stability (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, n.d.).

Community programs help too:

• West Virginia’s Jobs and Hope: Training, jobs, education, transport, skills, record clearing for SUD people (Jobs and Hope, n.d.).
• Belden’s Pathway: Rehab for failed drug tests, leading to jobs (Belden, n.d.).

Education boosts provider confidence in OUD meds, reducing barriers (Adzrago et al., 2022; Hooker et al., 2023; Campbell et al., 2021).

Overcoming stigma is key to success in mental health and SUD.

Interprofessional Team Work

Teams improve outcomes for patients with chronic pain and mental health or SUD (Joypaul et al., 2019; Gauthier et al., 2019).

Teams include doctors, nurses, NPs, pharmacists, PAs, social workers, PTs, therapists, SUD experts, and case managers.

Each helps uniquely:

• Pharmacists watch meds, spot interactions.
• Case managers link specialists, find resources, and support families (Sortedahl et al., 2018).
• Teams set goals, max non-opioid treatments (Liossi et al., 2019).

Integrative chiropractic care includes adjustments and exercises for alignment, easing pain naturally.

NPs give full care, ergonomic tips to avoid pain triggers, and coordinate options.

Dr. Jimenez’s clinic shows this. As a DC and FNP-BC, he leads teams with therapists, nutritionists, and coaches. He observes interprofessional work cuts opioid use by addressing the roots with functional medicine, VR, and nutrition. For OUD, he blends chiropractic care for pain, NP coordination for plans, and stigma-fighting through team support (Jimenez, n.d.a; Jimenez, n.d.b).

Legal and Ethical Issues in SUD Care

Providers must know laws and ethics for mental/SUD patients, like discrimination, aid, and privacy (Center for Substance Abuse Treatment, 2000).

Key Federal laws:

• Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990.
• Rehabilitation Act of 1973.
• Workforce Investment Act of 1998.
• Drug-Free Workplace Act of 1988.

ADA and Rehabilitation ban discrimination in government and in business services like hotels, shops, and hospitals. Protect those with impairments limiting life activities (U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, n.d.).

Provisions:

• Protect “qualified” people who meet the requirements.
• Reasonable accommodations for jobs.
• No hire/retain if there is a direct threat.
• No denial of benefits, access, or jobs in funded places.

For SUD: Alcohol users are protected if qualified, no threat. Ex-drug users in rehab are the same. Current illegal drug users are protected for health/rehab, not others. Programs can deny if used during.

Workforce Act centralizes job programs; no refusal to SUD people (U.S. Congress, 1998).

Drug-Free Act requires drug-free policies for federal funds/contracts: statements, awareness, actions on violations (U.S. Code, n.d.).

States have their own laws; check the local laws.

Public Aid laws:

• Contract with America Act (1996): No SSI/DI if SUD key factor (U.S. Congress, 1996).
• Adoption Act (1997): 15-month foster reunification limit (U.S. Congress, 1997).
• Personal Responsibility Act (1996): Work after 2 years of aid, drug screens (U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, 1996).

These push work, sobriety.

Dr. Jimenez notes that legal awareness helps his practice by ensuring holistic plans comply and by reducing OUD risks through a non-drug focus (Jimenez, n.d.a).

Keeping Patient Info Private

Privacy is vital. Laws include:

• HIPAA (1996): Protects PHI, sets use/disclosure rules (U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, n.d.).
• 42 CFR Part 2: Extra for SUD records. No disclosure of name or status without consent. Fines for breaks. Applies to federal-aided programs (Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, n.d.).

Consent needs: program name, receiver, patient name, purpose, info type, revoke note, expire date, signature, and date.

This fights discrimination fears, encouraging treatment (Center for Substance Abuse Treatment, 2000).

Wrapping Up

As we navigate the ongoing challenges of opioid use disorder (OUD), it’s clear that effective management requires a multifaceted approach that prioritizes patient well-being over quick fixes. From embracing patient-

It is clear that treating opioid use disorder (OUD) well requires a multi-faceted approach that puts the patient’s health and safety above quick fixes. Healthcare professionals play a pivotal role in transforming lives by implementing patient-centered decision-making and evidence-based communication, and by eradicating the three types of stigma—structural, public, and self—that hinder recovery. Interprofessional teams help people get the full treatment they need, and privacy laws like HIPAA and 42 CFR Part 2 make sure that people with disabilities can get help without being discriminated against.

Chiropractic therapy focuses on spinal adjustments and specific exercises to support proper alignment. It is a non-invasive way to ease pain and reduce dependence on opioids. Nurse Practitioners (NPs) make this better by providing comprehensive care, offering ergonomic advice to prevent injuries, and coordinating multiple treatment options, such as lifestyle changes and therapy. Dr. Alexander Jimenez, DC, APRN, FNP-BC, emphasizes in his clinical practice that these integrative approaches not only address physical symptoms but also empower patients through education and tailored strategies, leading to enduring recovery and diminished opioid consumption (Jimenez, n.d.a; Jimenez, n.d.b).

As we look ahead, new advancements in OUD therapy by 2025 show a trend toward making it easier to get and more tailored to each person. For instance:

• Drugs like methadone, buprenorphine, and naltrexone that the FDA has approved are still the best way to treat OUD. They help with cravings and withdrawal symptoms and help people stay stable over time.
• Precision medicine goes beyond one-size-fits-all methods by tailoring treatments to each person’s social, psychological, and genetic factors. This should lead to better results.
• The World Health Organization’s 2025 updates put more emphasis on psychosocial support, with a focus on preventing overdoses in the community and making it easier for people to get care.
• Declining Trends: The first yearly drop in opioid-related deaths since 2018 happened in 2023. This is a good sign because it shows that ongoing work in treatment, education, and lawmaking is having an effect.

We might be able to make OUD a treatable illness instead of a life sentence by combining these new ideas with collaborative care and reducing stigma. Policymakers, communities, and healthcare professionals must continue to advocate for equitable access to ensure that all individuals receive the evidence-based treatment they need. Overcoming problems in OUD management is about more than just getting better; it’s also about getting your dignity, hope, and a good quality of life back.

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