Joint Commission: Alternatives to Opioids Include Behavioral, Environmental, Physical Interventions, and Sometimes Medication

​In the face of the nation's ongoing opioid epidemic, healthcare organizations are increasingly interested in nonopioid and nonpharmacologic pain management options. The August 27, 2018, issue of Joint Commission's newsletter Quick Safetydiscusses several such treatment options. Nonopioid and nonpharmacologic interventions fall in one of four categories, according to the report. Three of the intervention types are nonpharmacologic. Behavioral, cognitive, and psychological interventions may include meditation techniques or the practice of progressive muscle relaxation. Environment-based interventions include lighting alterations or music therapy.