Analgesia and Anesthesia for the Substance Use Disorder Patient-Resource analgesia-and-anesthesia-for-the-substance-use-disorder-patient

Resource analgesia-and-anesthesia-for-the-substance-use-disorder-patient

Pdf Summary

The American Association of Nurse Anesthesiology (AANA) has released a document outlining practice considerations for the anesthesia professional when caring for patients with substance use disorders. In the United States, approximately 8-10% of people ages 12 or older are addicted to alcohol or drugs, and deaths from drug overdose have quadrupled in the past 15 years. Opioids, while effective in managing pain, have significant risks such as abuse and overdose. Irresponsible prescribing of opioids can lead to misuse and diversion of drugs. Anesthesia professionals are likely to encounter more patients with substance use disorders who require surgery or procedures involving analgesia and anesthesia. The document offers guidance on preanesthesia assessment and evaluation, developing a plan of care in collaboration with the patient and healthcare team, utilizing an opioid-sparing multimodal approach to managing pain, and responsible prescribing practices and discharge planning. Substance use disorder is a chronic brain disease characterized by the recurrent use of substances such as alcohol or drugs. It disrupts the brain's normal functioning and can cause health problems, disability, and failure to meet responsibilities. The stages of substance use disorder are binge/intoxication, withdrawal/negative affect, and preoccupation/anticipation. Treatment for substance use disorder includes inpatient or outpatient programs that incorporate counseling, cognitive behavioral therapy, and medication-assisted treatment. Recovery is a lifelong process that requires ongoing support and treatment. The document emphasizes the importance of involving the patient in creating an anesthesia and analgesia plan and provides recommendations for optimizing postoperative pain management and preventing relapse. The AANA highlights the need for anesthesia professionals to maintain familiarity with the literature, practice guidelines, and regulations surrounding opioid-sparing multimodal analgesia.

Keywords

American Association of Nurse Anesthesiology

practice considerations

anesthesia professional

substance use disorders

alcohol

drugs

opioids

abuse

overdose

prescribing practices