Zero Unintentional Deaths
The American Society of Anesthesiology has recently expressed concern regarding the high number of methadone-related deaths. A campaign entitled “Zero Unintentional Deaths” was begun to try to lesson the likelihood of death when methadone is prescribed for pain relief. It was developed to educate physicians, chronic pain sufferers and other interested individuals about the increasingly serious issue of unintentional overdose deaths relating to methadone as well as other prescription medications. The goal of the campaign was to remedy unintentional deaths without compromising access to treatment of pain.
A program entitled “Six Steps to Zero,” six specific hazards were addressed. They are as follows:
1. Never take a prescription painkiller unless it is prescribed to you.
2. Do not take pain medicine with alcohol.
3. Do not take more doses than prescribed.
4. Use of other sedative or anti-anxiety medications can be dangerous.
5. Avoid using narcotic medications to facilitate sleep.
6. Lock up prescription painkillers.
It is hoped that if these six steps are followed the rate of unintentional methadone related deaths could be reduced.
The Zero Unintentional Death campaign appears here and can be reached through Zero Unintentional Deaths c/o Life Source, 617 East 3900 South, Salt Lake City, UT 84106.
