Since 1999, nearly 841,000 Americans have died of drug overdoses, according to data from the CDC, while opioids serve as the main driver of these deaths. Synthetic opioids account for 73% of opioid-involved overdose deaths.

The COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated the opioid epidemic as individuals encountered disruptions in routine treatment, alongside steep increases in depression and anxiety rates.

One group of individuals susceptible to opioid use disorder are those with chronic, non-cancer pain. Although interventions such as full mu agonist chronic opioid analgesic therapy (COAT) cessation exist for this population, data show this practice can actually impede vocational and social return to function and to increase length of disability.

In a study published in the October issue of The American Journal of Managed Care® (AJMC®) Marcelina Jasmine Silva DO, and colleagues outlined outcomes from the Focus on Opioid Transitions (FOOT Steps) Program, which was created to help patients with chronic non-cancer pain cease COAT reliance.

On this episode of Managed Care Cast, Silva discusses the findings of this pilot study and elaborates on the success of combining interventions that are typically applied individually.