KTTC
by Alex Tejada

In 2017, there were more than 400 opioid overdose deaths in Minnesota according to the National Institute on Drug Abuse. That rate has risen every year since 1999 and is a nationwide problem that can sometimes be difficult to identify. However, according to a new article published by Mayo Clinic, three medications used in treating opioid addiction are being underused…Dr. Oesterle of Mayo Clinic’s Fountain Centers drug and alcohol treatment programs believes that the opioid epidemic in the county stems from overzealous use of medication, widespread availability of opioids and societal expectations that all pain can be eliminated. However, he thinks the issue can be fought. “We’re definitely making progress. This needs to be tackled from multiple different directions,” said Dr. Oesterle. “We can’t medicate our way out of it but we can apply a multitiered and multifactorial approach to address the epidemic.”

Reach: KTTC-TV Channel 10 is the Rochester, Minnesota-based NBC affiliate.  Its website has more than 160,00 unique visitors each month.

Additional coverage:
KAAL, Mayo study finds medications underused in treating opioid addiction; Orlando Sentinel, Albert Lea Tribune, UPI.com

Related coverage:
KAAL, Rochester doctor named to governor's opioid council

Context: Tyler Osterle, M.D., M.P.H. is a Mayo Clinic Health System psychiatrist.

Contact: Rick Thiesse

Tags: Dr. Tyler Oesterle, KTTC, opiods, overdose deaths, Uncategorized