STRONG PAIN MEDICATION

Pain is among the worst of human experiences. Since the beginning of our existence we have sought its relief. Various cultures have tried prayer, magic, herbs, torture, surgery, death, and pharmaceuticals to treat pain. Sometimes terrible unremitting pain can even lead to suicide.

In all of recorded time, nothing has proven as effective as the opium poppy and its derivatives, opiates (natural derivatives) and opioids (synthetic derivatives). Yet, because of their potentially addictive qualities, none has engendered more controversy and agony.

Modern concepts are leading to major changes. Old-fashioned ideas about addiction are based on faulty studies done in the early part of the twentieth century. For example, one of the major studies, sanctioned by the AMA in the late forties, used multiple choice surveys of street addicts to ask how their problems began! This is an unbelievable example of twisted reasoning and inept and politically motivated conclusions.

It is now accepted that opioids used for legitimate medical problems rarely cause addiction. We now feel that addiction is a psychiatric disorder that occurs independently of whether an opioid has been prescribed, rather than that the prescription has caused the problem. The use of opioids for the treatment of chronic nonmalignant pain has gone from "unacceptable", to "acceptable", to "the standard". In the future, the failure to consider these agents will be frowned upon.

Unfortunately, many physicians trained in the old school are still reluctant to use these valuable medications, which can ease human suffering immeasurably. Unfortunately, realistic fears of regulatory oversight fuel this problem. Even though the prescription of opioids for medical indications is not supposed to be subject to regulatory oversight at all, zealous enforcement agencies can and do create a “chilling” atmosphere for physicians who are otherwise desirous of treating their patients’ pain. Misinformation in the lay public also interferes with legitimate medical use, as many people do not want to become "hooked", or feel pressure from family members who do not understand the depth of their pain.

Especially when used in a controlled and competent setting by a physician certified in pain management and in conjunction with other medications that increase their efficacy (“co-analgesics”), these substances can change lives and put people back to work.

Because opioid analgesics are potentially addictive and are regulated by law, patients who use them regularly must agree to respect certain guidelines. For example, they must take their medications only as prescribed without increasing the dose unless authorized by the medical practitioner. Lost or stolen medications will generally not be replaced. Sometimes urine drug tests will be required. These guidelines are necessary to protect the patient and the practitioner. The improper use or diversion of opioid analgesics can lead to serious physical or legal consequences.

Click here for a link to the Arthritis Center’s Pain Medication Agreement