Speakers:
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Norma Harnedy ,MPSI, MPharm., MSc, National Liaison Pharmacist (HSE Addiction Services)
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Dr. Denis O’Driscoll, MPSI, BSc. PhD, Superintendent Pharmacist (Lloyds/McKesson Group)
Summary:
In this webinar, Norma Harnedy and Dr. Denis O’Driscoll discuss the challenges and complexities of codeine addiction and the role of pharmacists in supporting individuals seeking treatment. They highlight the importance of listening and reflecting rather than problem-solving, as well as the need for pharmacists to be informed and provide accurate information about codeine addiction.
Case studies are shared to illustrate the challenges faced by individuals with codeine addiction, including the stigma around seeking help, lack of awareness about available resources, and difficulties in accessing help. These studies highlighted the importance of supportive and especially non-judgemental pharmacists in sensitive cases like these, as a pharmacist’s awareness to an issue like this, can really make a significant difference in helping a wide cohort of people who misuse codeine.
In this webinar, the speakers also discuss the signs and symptoms of codeine withdrawal including diarrhoea, irritability and problems sleeping, they also explore the potential complications associated with the misuse of codeine containing products, as well as discuss the positive effects which facilitate the continued use and overuse of codeine as well as negative effects of codeine use. The need for more guidance and support for individuals with codeine problems is also touched on, discussing what can be done to carry this out and how, from brief intervention to referral pathways and so on.
Overall, the webinar emphasises the importance of early intervention, supporting patients with empathy, and addressing codeine dependency in a holistic manner.