Phoenix Narrative

Answers from the Valleys Best!

I interviewed a doctor who specializes in caring for pregnant and parenting women with substance use disorders. She is on the front line of the opioid crisis and has decided to share some of her insights with us.
#opioids #opioidcrisis #addiction #phx

The opioid crisis has exploded in the media over the past 5 years. In fact, two years ago today, Governor Ducey declared a state of emergency regarding the opioid epidemic in the state of Arizona.

I’ve visited many organizations in our city that deal directly with the opioid crisis, and the good news is Phoenix has many resources. The bad news is there is an unfortunate lack of knowledge of those resources in our community.

During this time, I was fortunate to be able to interview a doctor who specializes in caring for pregnant and parenting women with substance use disorders and is on the front lines of the opioid crisis–Maria Manriquez, M.D., FACOG.

What started the opioid epidemic?

MM: In the late 1990s, pharmaceutical companies reassured physicians and other providers that patients wouldn’t become addicted to opioid pain relievers.

As a result, healthcare providers began to prescribe them at increased rates to comply with addressing the “5th vital sign” and improve patient satisfaction.

This lead to more patients becoming dependent on opioids as well as more opioids available for diversion. In 2017, an estimated 2 million people suffered from opioid use disorder–both prescription opioid and heroin use disorder.

What’s the difference between being an opioid dependent versus being an opioid addict?

MM: Let’s use nicotine as an example. A person may use nicotine and find themselves needing more than the original amount to have the same positive effects. This is defined as tolerance.

When the person doesn’t use nicotine they may have negative side effects, this is defined as withdrawal. Wanting to have nicotine and it being on your mind is defined as craving. Using the money you may hav