For the survey, the North Carolina Medical Board surveyed 2,661 licensed physicians in the state to gauge how they are responding to the opioid epidemic.
More than half (58 percent) of respondents indicated their practices have been affected by the epidemic. Of these individuals, 43 percent — or about 663 physicians — said they stopped prescribing opioids.
In response to the survey findings, the medical board said it is “pro-appropriate care, not anti-opioids,” according to the North Carolina Health News.
“Treat with opioids when it’s appropriate,” Jean Brinkley, a spokesperson for the North Carolina Medical Board, told the publication. “Prescribers should be thoughtful, and carefully documenting treatment and reasons. If it’s appropriate, make sure the record is clear. That’s the board’s expectation.”
More articles on opioids:
48% of hospitals see patients with drug seeking behavior daily, survey finds
Pennsylvania hospitals treat record 37K patients for opioid use disorder in 2017
2 Advocate hospitals give naloxone kits to overdose patients upon discharge
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