Alabama's making serious strides in battling the opioid crisis! The Medical Association of the State of Alabama just dropped some encouraging stats. Get this: Opioid prescriptions in Alabama have plummeted a whopping 46.2% since 2012! And the strength of those prescriptions? Down a massive 58.7% in the same timeframe. Way to go, Alabama docs! Naloxone, the life-saving overdose reversal med, saw a huge surge! Prescriptions jumped 222.8% from 2018 to 2024. But hey, after becoming available over-the-counter, prescriptions dipped 15.4% between 2023 and 2024. Easy access for everyone! Alabama physicians have been working hard to change opioid prescribing practices for over a decade. The Medical Association was one of the first to offer formal training on safe and effective prescribing. The Medical Association teams up with the Alabama Board of Medical Examiners to offer opioid-prescribing training courses. Since '09, over 10,000 prescribers have completed the training! Now that's dedication! The Medical Association even backed the FDA's decision to make naloxone available over-the-counter. They are all about saving lives! "Physicians have fundamentally changed how opioids are prescribed in Alabama," says Dr. Mark LeQuire, president of the Medical Association. He adds that doctors are using lower doses, being more selective, and emphasizing alternative treatments. Alabama physicians emphasize that ongoing education and access to treatment are key to further reducing opioid-related harm. Let's keep up the great work, Alabama!Good News, Y'all: Alabama Cracking Down on Opioid Prescriptions!
Opioid Prescriptions Plunging!
Naloxone on the Rise (Then a Little Dip)!
Docs Leading the Charge!
Training for the Win!
Easier Access to Naloxone!
A Word from the President!
The Fight Continues!
