At the 32nd European Congress of Psychiatry, research suggests that Europe is not facing an opioid crisis like the United States. Prescription opioid deaths are lower, with only a slight rise in prescribing. Most European countries do not have a crisis, except the UK and Ireland. There is concern about synthetic opiates like fentanyl. István Bitter noted worries about opioid use in other European countries. Proper screening is essential before prescribing opioids, especially for patients with psychiatric disorders. Long-term opioid use for chronic pain in patients with psychiatric comorbidities is discouraged. Tapering plans and multidisciplinary approaches are recommended for opioid use disorder.
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Is Europe on the Brink of an Opioid Crisis?
