MODDERN Cures Act and Chronic Disease

When opioids are used chronically, tolerance and dependence can occur and the side effects differ depending on the substance, as does the abuse potential (Addiction.com, 2011) (Steven A. Adelman, William J. Meehan, 2010). Combining or improper use of opioid medication with other prescription or over the counter medication could be fatal (CAMH, 2010) (Canada, 2009).

Painkillers are the most common treatment option for chronic pain. However, the painkillers that are usually prescribed to patients are opioids. One of the major side effects of opioids is addiction. Canada is currently suffering from an opioid crisis because doctors didn’t fully appreciate or know the addictive properties of prescription opioids.

Dr. Jick’s summary of the Boston University data on the number of patient addictions following treatment with narcotic pain killers affected the practice of writing prescriptions by excessively writing the prescriptions for the patients and not fully understanding all of the effects. This

It is important for physicians to take into account the various outcomes that happen when prescribing pain medications. Aside from having the burdensome responsibility of relieving a patient’s pain, a physician could also be responsible for the possibility of negative outcomes like sickness and even death as a result of pain medications often prescribed. Because of the risks

This study is credible and reliable because it was carried out by professional who are doctors in their field at either hospital or universities. If we also view the Long-term Opioid Therapy for Chronic Pain and the Risk of Opioid Addiction by Burgess, H. J., Siddiqui, A., M.D., & Burgess, Frederick W,M.D., PhD., whom conduct their own research in the opioid addiction field. Their researched was conducted within the United State of America on Rates of opioid pain reliever (OPR) overdose death, OPR treatment admissions, and kilograms of OPR-sold – between 1999–2012. (Burgess, Harrison J; Siddiqui, Afreen, MD Author Information Burgess, Frederick W, MD,

Prescription painkiller addiction has become one of the fastest growing addictions in the country(drugaddictiontreatment.com). Since 1990, deaths in the US from unintentional drug overdoses have increased by over 500% (ideas.time.com). People have been using painkillers as drugs because they believe it is safer than using illegal street drugs. Pain is a hard thing to manage because everyone has a different pain tolerance. There is a responsibility between both physicians and patients to use it properly to cause both to be at fault for overdose.

For example, limiting the dosage that the physician prescribes to the consumer.This could prevent taking all of the pills within a short amount of time and then not having enough to last for the whole period of time you are suppose to take it for. Also, some background checks on the patients could be done before they get the painkillers to see if they have had a history with drug abuse. It is also very important for the physician to explain the risks of overdosing on the painkillers and using them only when you are prescribed to. If patients and physicians took this matter and these regulations seriously, then there would be less fatality from prescription painkiller abuse. When people are not informed of the causes, then they do not know the harm they could do to

Many addictions to these opiates are caused by inaccurate treatment of pain by the patient’s doctors. According to Andrea M. Garcia, “Treatment of pain is inadequate due to uncertain diagnoses, societal stigma, the lack of effective treatments, and inadequate patient and clinician knowledge about the best ways to manage pain. Prescription painkiller overdose has reached epidemic proportions over the past decade.” When patients visit a doctor’s office due to pain, they often do not elaborate on the pain they feel or give accurate diagnosis of the pain they are experiencing. Patients will often over exaggerate their pain level in order to be prescribed higher doses of narcotics. Shoulder or knee pain is a very common complaint. Patients who

“From 1999 to 2014, more than 165,000 persons died from overdose related to opioid pain medication in the United States” (CDC Guideline for Prescribing Opioids for Chronic Pain ¶5). Overprescription of pain medication is when clinicians prescribe pain medication to patients and they misuse or abuse it. Common pain medication include Codeine, Vicodin, Percocet, Hydrocodone, and Oxycontin. These prescription medications and many more like them, have been found to be effective pain relievers for treating short term pain. However, they have also been found to be highly addictive. Addictions are expensive, harmful, and can quickly spiral out of control destroying the lives of those it consumes. Ending

All too often and in far too many cases the treatement of pain is becoming the problem. Painkiller addiction has been an epidemic for more than a century and continues to corrupt both the youth and adults of America. While opioids started out with a purpose of pain management, it has now become an industry. Without a stronger regulation of the prescription of pain medicine, doctors will continue to promote the negative effects it has on the users and their loved ones.

Prescription painkiller abuse is a problem that is affecting the economy, society, and wellbeing of the entire globe. As many as 36 million people worldwide abuse prescription painkillers. Prescription painkiller abuse deals with anything relating to taking one’s medications at a higher dose, taking someone else’s medications, or taking medication to feel euphoria. As a result of people wanting a temporary fix for their pain, they take extreme measures to acquire the drug they crave, in which the addiction could cause

Doctors are prescribing these medications in order to treat pain, but it is not the solution for all pain related cases. According to the Allen, Jewers, & McDonald (2014), opioids are the second most prescribed medications in emergency medicine and opioid abuse has increased at an alarming rate. There is little education and training given to emergency personnel on pain management and risk of addiction. Understanding factors such as the pain scale, acute pain, chronic pain, addiction and pain at end of life, are vital and should be thoroughly evaluated before opioids are prescribed. Ensuring appropriate use for pain medication can reduce the risk of harm associated with misuse and abuse. If emergency personnel are not understanding how to treat pain, there will continue to be an increase in the amount of over prescribed medications in the United States. Acute and chronic pain play major factors when it comes to prescribing medication. The importance of understanding when to use opioid medication such as for acute pain, chronic pain, and end of life is an ongoing educational process that still needs to be addressed. Education to the patient also needs to be addressed. Teaching patients about the high addictive properties opioids have on the brain is important. Some people take pain medication just because the doctor prescribed it, and they really don’t understand how to use it. If they aren’t understanding how to use medication it can lead to misuse, abuse, and/or even overdose. Also, the false reality mind frame people have been given that they will be pain free with just a pill. Medications are meant to help with pain, not eliminate pain which is why education to patients is so

Patient’s are usually not fully aware of the risks and side effects that prescription painkillers hold. Doctors, patients, and drug companies all play a role in the lack of knowledge of these drugs. Doctors do not necessarily have the complete knowledge of every drug out on the market. Some patients do not have the patience or find it necessary to do some of their own research on whatever drug they are putting into their body. Drug companies push their products and downplay the risks and side effects they carry with them. It is important to educate yourself on what you are putting into your body even if it is prescribed to

Healthcare practitioners have been increasing the usage of pain medications over the years. It is guaranteed that some types of pain medications exist in your medicine cabinet. Today, the problems associated by abusing these medications have brought many American families into trouble and corruption. Not all kinds of pain medications are made equal, they vary from over-the-counter strength to prescription strength. Another factor that plays in the outcome of drug dependency is also the duration of being on the medication. Everyone respond to pain medications differently, thus careful consideration must be made before prescribing such drugs. Healthcare practitioners must consider the appropriate types, strength,

Although chronic pain patients have a low risk of addiction to opioid drugs against, but many doctors who have a fear of drug abuse, making it difficult for patients to get the medicines they need.