Rich Sutphin: Alternatives to Pain Act Will Reduce Overdoses

Alternatives to Pain Act Will Reduce Overdoses

West Virginia’s struggle with substance use disorder is a story etched deep in our state’s recent history. While statistics show that we are improving, West Virginia has been the national leader in overdose deaths. Paired with overwhelmed correctional facilities and a foster care system pushed to its breaking point, our story has been a significant uphill struggle. But our story isn’t just about struggle — it’s about resilience, learning, and hope.

We have learned from our past and we are seeing a new focus on treatment and recovery. Theories and strategies designed to address this issue are being tested on the front lines of the substance use disorder crisis, places like Huntington, Charleston, Morgantown, and Martinsburg.

The opioid crisis that sparked our illicit drug epidemic began with liberal prescription practices that devastated our communities. Pain management is a real issue— it has been a double-edged sword that cuts deep into the fabric of our state. People get hurt. They need relief meaning something to treat their pain. The challenge is finding a way to address acute pain without starting individuals on a path towards addiction.

Scientists are coming up with a piece of the puzzle, and it is one that will help reduce the number of opioids that are prescribed. These aren’t just incremental improvements—they represent a fundamental shift in how we approach pain management. While non-opioid painkillers have existed for some time, these new medications can address extreme, severe pain in most cases, offering a promising alternative to traditional opioid treatments.

We must make sure we increase awareness of and access to these new medications. These will serve as another tool in the proverbial toolbox when it comes to cutting down on substance use disorder and opioid addiction.

The Alternatives to Pain Act is a piece of federal legislation that will help increase awareness and use more non-opioid medications.  This legislation will address the root causes of our ongoing substance use disorder crisis amongst seniors. Its aim is to dissuade private insurance companies in Medicare Part D from pushing people toward generic opioid medications by removing red tape that keeps that prevents seniors from accessing non-opioid medications. And it would make sure that cost is not a factor by ensuring that non-opioids won’t cost more than generic opioids.   

Seniors are often an overlooked vulnerable group in this crisis. In 2021, over one million seniors battled substance use disorder, with fatal drug overdoses quadrupling in just two decades nationwide.  Imagine the impact that has had here in West Virginia where 1 out of every 5 residents are over 65. These are our parents, grandparents, neighbors, and community members—and they need our help and attention.

We are seeing results and overdoses are down around West Virginia. A recent news story stated that West Virginia saw a 36 percent decrease in the overdose deaths from January to May.  It is a testament to our efforts, but more work needs done.

Our elected officials recognize that, and they are leading the way to help find solutions. Senator Shelley Moore Capito and Congresswoman Carol Miller have signed on to the Alternatives to Pain Act as co-sponsors in their respective chambers. I would like to thank them for this and ask them to keep up the good work.

The Alternatives to Pain Act represents more than just a policy—it’s a lifeline. By keeping non-opioid medications affordable and removing bureaucratic nonsense, we’re creating a pathway to safe, effective pain management options. We’re giving healthcare providers and patients more room to make the best decisions together. It’s about creating breathing space for medical choices that truly match individual needs.

The fight against opioids requires constant vigilance, innovative approaches, and unwavering commitment. We must continue supporting legislation that protects our most vulnerable populations and provides hope for those struggling with pain management.

We must keep up the fight against overdoses!

Bio: Rich Sutphin is the Executive Director of the West Virginia Rural Health Association. 

Original op-ed site link: Dominion Post – Morgantown Area News