Preventing and Tackling the Opioid Epidemic

TAPTOE has found that the number of Dutch citizens receiving at least one opioid prescription has increased in the past ten years, which is linked to the increased risk of opioid-related hospitalisation and mortality. Studies into patient as well as health care practitioners perspectives on opioid use suggest several measures to prevent problematic opioid use in clinical practice. Currently, one study to reduce oxycodone by substituting with medicinal cannabis is being performed. Two other trials will start shortly, one investigating different tapering off medications for an opioid use disorder, and one first line intervention trial aimed at FTO groups.