Top Reasons Why Painkiller Abuse Is Said To Grow Worse

Despite the fact that painkiller abuse and overdose is at astronomical levels, doctors do not appear to be lightening up on the number of prescriptions they write.

Yet the number of deaths by drug overdoses in the United States is now greater than deaths by automobile accidents. Overdose deaths from opioids alone exceed the number of overdoses caused by cocaine and heroin combined. Doctors predict that these numbers will only grow worse but will it?

Not Enough Research on Long-Term Opioid Abuse

Prescription opioids (also known as narcotic) are highly addictive. Yet they are prescribed for a wide array of pain from moderate to heavy, and doctors seem to pay little attention to the ramifications to the patient. Many give out far more than the necessary amount, which increases the potential for addiction in a number of ways. First, it allows the possibility of the patient continuing to use pills even after they are needed. If the patient does not abuse them, however, it is likely that the remaining medication will simply be stored in the medicine cabinet. This increases the potential for abuse by other family members, including teens and the elderly.

Doctors admit that there has been little research on the long-term effects of opioid abuse. In many cases, pain relief wanes as the body becomes dependent on drugs and no longer produces its own pain-relieving hormones. A group of physicians has petitioned the FDA to change the vague prescription guidelines for opioids. It currently permits opioid prescription for moderate to severe pain, but doctors say that this definition is too broad, allowing doctors to give out heavy painkillers to those who don’t really need them.

Where Does it Lead?

In addition to the shocking number of painkiller overdoses, opioid abuse leads to other negative issues. Lifestyles change as users become obsessed with drugs. Personal hygiene, relationships, and life goals are sacrificed. Many opioid addicts turn to heroin for its cheaper high. People find themselves in a condition they would never have imagined.

There is a solution, however. Thousands of people struggling with addiction have found their way back through the Narconon program and are once again able to find their integrity and self-respect, and repair relationships in ruins because of drugs.

There Are Alternative Solutions

Many physicians believe that a change in FDA policy would cause doctors to urge alternative pain management before jumping to painkiller prescription. A number of studies have shown that acupuncture, chiropractic, and herbal treatments like arnica provide considerable relief from pain. And in most cases, such alternative treatment seeks out the root of the problem rather than covering up symptoms. In fact, Japan leads the world in the number of healthy citizens, and researchers attribute it to diet, exercise, and medical practices like acupuncture.

Curbing the number of prescriptions given out is one main solution and using these alternative methods. Stricter guidelines for prescription are also key as well as drug prevention, education, and rehabilitation.

For more information on getting someone help for a prescription drug problem contact us today.

Source:

http://americannewsreport.com/doctors-say-abuse-of-painkillers-likely-to-grow-worse-8816965