Article made possible by site supporter Jane B.
For many, addiction starts in the doctor’s office.
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Many of the drugs that cause addiction started as helpful medicines, such as pain killers and narcotics. Some addicts even abuse cough syrup. Others use over-the-counter medicines to make much stronger drugs, like crystal meth.
The problem has only grown over the years. The last National Survey on Drug Use and Health reported that 2 million Americans are addicted to opiates and another 5.1 million abused the drugs.
It may seem counterintuitive, but the shorter a drug’s half life, the more addictive it can be.
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We can’t stop the use of all drugs that can cause addiction, but we can institute measures that minimize the risk of people becoming addicted to the medications that are meant to help them. Primarily, the work would fall to caregivers, family and friends rather than becoming matter for legislation. After all, it doesn’t matter how many laws we pass if no one follows them.
Here are a few things that caregivers and loved ones can do to prevent the use of pain medication from growing into addiction:
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Medications with a Longer Half Life
Not all pain killers work alike. They may relieve pain, but they may act on different receptors in your body to do so. Some also exit your body much more quickly than others, which means that you feel the effects for a shorter time.
The amount of time it takes to exit the body is known as a drug’s half life. For example, Oxycontin typically exits the body in about 4.5 hours, though according to this page, the exact time frame will depend on many factors, including the health of the liver, weight and individual metabolism.
It may seem counterintuitive, but the shorter a drug’s half life, the more addictive it can be. The reason is that the effects are quicker and the withdrawal begins more quickly, so the body craves more. Drugs with a longer half life have more gradual and steady effects. Doctors can help to reduce the risk of addiction by choosing the drugs that can still provide the needed treatment but that have a longer half life.
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Less Addictive Drugs
Some painkillers are more addictive than others. Doctors can reduce the risk of addiction by prescribing medications that are not as strong to start. Non-narcotic pain killers are a good place to start.
Doctors must make taking a proper health history a priority for effective patient care and to minimize the risk of addiction.
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Doctors can also explore alternative means of pain relief, such as physical therapy, water therapy and other wellness treatments. Some patients have even been able to relieve pain with treatments like acupuncture, aromatherapy, massage, and chiropractic treatment.
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Complete Health History
Some patients are going to be more prone to addiction than others based on their health history. They may have a history of addiction in their family, which puts them at greater risk. Or they may have a history of taking pain killers that increases their exposure and their risk.
It is essential for doctors to have this information so that they can prescribe the right medications for current pain management. Doctors must make taking a proper health history a priority for effective patient care and to minimize the risk of addiction.
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Active Support Network
Family and friends can do their part by offering strong support. That means paying close attention for any signs of addiction, such as shallow breathing, small pupils, itching, flushed skin, or nausea and vomiting. It also means paying attention to the person’s actions, such as seeming to take more of the prescribed dose or visiting multiple doctors or pharmacies in an attempt to get more medication.
The road to recovery may be long, but it will be worth it.
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Friends and family can also offer the support that patients need to get through their recovery from their injury, which can also reduce their risk of becoming addicts. When people feel alone or are struggling with other emotional issues, they are more likely to fall victim to the drugs.
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Comprehensive Medical Reporting
One day, it may be possible that the health care system can develop a comprehensive medical reporting system that can be shared among establishments. This way, doctors can see the complete health history of any patients seeking treatment. That means being able to see the injuries that a patient sustained and all the medications they have been prescribed from all doctors.
Such a system would significantly reduce the risk of patients “doctor shopping” to get new prescriptions or exaggerating their injuries or their symptoms to get more drugs.
There is no single cause of addiction, so eliminating it is not a simple process. However, when doctors and other caregivers work in conjunction with friends and family, some of the risks can be minimized. These are just a few of the things that can help.
If you or someone you know has become addicted to painkillers, it is important to seek help from a qualified professional as soon as possible. In- and out-patient treatment options are available. The road to recovery may be long, but it will be worth it.