North Carolina medical journal
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This article reviews the public health consequences of current approaches to chronic pain management, particularly those related to prescription of opioid analgesics and other controlled medications. This article also reviews factors contributing to these negative trends and discusses potential strategies for reversing them.
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Opioid analgesics are commonly used for the management of chronic noncancer pain. Although they can be beneficial for select patients, opioids are also at the heart of a nationwide epidemic of misuse and diversion.
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Review
Initiatives to improve access to behavioral health services in the Veterans Affairs Health System.
In response to veterans' needs in the context of recent deployments, the Veterans Affairs (VA) health system has increased the number of its facilities and caregivers and has pioneered changes in policy and programs. We review significant recent initiatives to improve access to behavioral health services in the VA health system.