Opioids - Chronic Pain and Dependence
I spend half of my time serving family practice patients and half serving individuals with chronic pain or opioid dependence.
Video- Best Advice for People Taking Opioid Medication
Video- Risks of Opioid Pain Medications
Best Article on Opioid Epidemic and Treatment
Do You Suffer Chronic Pain?
These web sites may help you:
American Chronic Pain Association
Pain Action Relaxation Guide
American Chronic Pain Association
Pain Action Relaxation Guide
America's Epidemic of Narcotic Abuse, Misuse and Overdose
Opioid analgesics are responsible for nearly as deaths as from suicide and motor vehicle crashes! The 2010 National Survey on Drug Use and Health showed that an estimated 5.1 million had used pain relievers. Many users of non-therapeutic opioids indicated that they received the drugs through a prescription from more than one doctor.
Addiction is a Brain Disease
Approximately 10-15% of the population is genetically predisposed to becoming addicted. Of course, in order to become addicted you must use a substance. In vulnerable individuals repeated use results dramatic changes in their brain which externally is seen as overuse, misuse and addiction.
Help!
Treatment of addiction can dramatically aid. In my treatment of individuals with opioid dependence, I prescribe buprenorphine. When taking this effective medication, patients can not get high on narcotics. If they take it when high, they will go into a partial withdrawal within minutes.
Program
People addicted to substances can turn their lives around. A doctor who understands addiction helps. Medications can be of benefit. But these medical tools are not enough. Support of friends and family is critical. 12 Step programs are the single most important component of a patient's recovery. Initially, I recommend that patients go to meetings every day and keep going for the rest of their lives.
Online Help for Alcohol Abuse
Reddit's Stop Drinking Group is described as "the most helpful tool in fight against alcohol." Worth a look.