Painkiller Addiction: 6 Myths and Facts

Many people living with chronic pain struggle with the pros and cons of taking opiate-based pain medication. The pros include better quality of life, greater ability to function in daily activities and, of course, less pain. The cons include potential for addiction and abuse. Many patients who need long-term pain medication avoid taking it because they’re afraid of becoming an addict. That’s why you need to understand six myths and facts about use and abuse.

Frequently taking pain medications leads to abuse.

When pain medications are taken as prescribed for legitimate pain relief, that’s appropriate use, not abuse. It’s even appropriate if they’re needed daily or several times per day.

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How Cancer Changed My Life

It was fall, my favorite time of year. Football season was in full swing, the leaves were turning colors, and there was a hint of frost at night. There was a sense of security, of warmth, of contentment in our home. That all changed on November 19, 2004. A trip to the emergency room, admission to the hospital, tests and more tests. Then came the diagnosis, colon cancer. How could that be? For someone who was never sick, it just could not be possible. After the initial shock, there are more tests and consultation with many doctors. Thanksgiving comes and goes. You hold on to each day. You keep struggling to hold on to hope and your faith. Family and friends are supportive. They pray when you are too tired to pray. Get more info…