NARCOTICS
ADDICTION.
Seems like every time we turn on the news we're hearing about celebrities
either getting arrested or entering rehab for drug use. The most recent "admission" was
radio personality Rush Limbaugh who came clean about his addiction to both OxyContin
(Hillbilly Heroin) and Hydrocodone, which will have him in rehab for the next
30 days.
If OxyContin is sounding familiar, it could be because MTV star Jack Osbourne
recently completed rehab due to his addition, which he said started with the
help of singer-actress Courtney Love. If you are still keeping track, Love was
recently arrested after allegedly breaking the windows of her former manager's
home, and then after the arrest, overly medicated herself on a controlled substance,
which got her an overnight stay at a local hospital.
Pills, pills, pills. People just can't seem to stop popping pills. The problem
is that this popping can be a disease and is not limited to high-profile TV personalities
and athletes, but to all people from a variety of socioeconomic levels. Today,
let's focus on narcotics addiction and dependence.
What is a narcotics addiction? Narcotics are strong prescription pain relievers
that are a controlled substance by the Drug Enforcement Administration. In addition
to a medical license, health care providers must obtain an additional license
to prescribe these medications.
Narcotics are used to control pain and they alter a patient's response to sensation.
In addition, they may alter moods, change awareness or cause unconsciousness.
If used improperly or mixed with other substances, death may occur.
Examples of narcotics include morphine, dilaudid, hydrocodone, heroin, methadone
or meperidine (Demerol). Most of these medications are used effectively to manage
pain, but repeated use leads to tolerance and eventual dependence.
How does this occur? More than 70 million Americans suffer
from some form of chronic pain. The causes of pain may come from a variety of
sources, and one
in five people take a pain medicine on a daily basis. There are a variety of
ways to treat chronic pain, which include numerous types of medications and psychotherapy.
One of the mainstays to chronic pain management is the use of narcotics. Narcotics
can be a very effective way to manage chronic pain, but a qualified health care
provider must monitor their use.
Who is at risk for drug dependence? A wide variety of factors may contribute
to a drug dependence problem. Of course, a patient must initially have a condition
that is associated with severe pain.
Risk factors for the development of narcotics addiction include low self-esteem,
environment, heredity, personality, types of drugs that have been used and the
ease of access to narcotics.
At present, OxyContin, an oral form of morphine is one of the most commonly abused
narcotics. It is also one of the most common drugs that drug dealers attempt
to obtain from health care providers through illicit and untruthful means. This
is frustrating for clinicians, as it may be difficult to sort out real pain issues
with some patients.
What are signs and symptoms? The signs and symptoms of drug
dependence are varied and may be nonspecific. A clinician may be suspect of excessive
narcotic use
by a patient and the issue must be addressed. Other clues may be some physical
findings of constipation, alterations in vital signs, altered mental status or
even signs of withdrawal.
Effects of narcotics may last a few days and signs of withdrawal may occur after
several days of being drug free. It is essential to admit that a problem exists
and prepare for rehabilitation.
How is drug dependence treated? Once the problem has been identified, the patient
must admit that the problem exists and consent to treatment. If the drug-dependent
patient does not fully consent to treatment, the program is doomed to failure.
Treatment programs involve both medical and psychological facets. Patients may
require hospital admission for detoxification, which may require additional use
of medications to control withdrawal symptoms. Counseling needs to be initiated
in the hospital and then carried out in the outpatient setting.
Programs such as Narcotics Anonymous are very helpful and emphasize a complete
change in life style. It is essential that a drug-free environment be maintained
around the home.
What else should I do? In the event that you suffer
from a chronic pain condition, you must obtain adequate and comprehensive treatment.
It is essential to have
your primary care physician direct all of your care. Several different types
of medications and therapies are available for treating chronic pain
.
It is essential to stay away from illegal drugs. Do not use another person's
medication. Be honest with your health care provider. Lastly, if you feel that
you suffer from a narcotic addiction problem, admit it and seek treatment!
