It seems like every day I read about another death caused by opioid addiction.
When the US government attempted to stem the tide of opioid abuse by restricting medical professionals’ ability to prescribe powerful painkillers to those patients who really needed them, they created a firestorm of a different kind of addiction: a new generation of heroin abusers.
Many people who were legally prescribed drugs like hydrocodone suddenly found themselves cut off from relief and in an effort to feel better, they began using heroin, which is inexpensive and easy to acquire.
The problem with that is heroin is deadly.
One woman recounted how, after breaking her leg, she developed complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) and after multiple surgeries, stem cell therapy, acupuncture, and physical therapy, still couldn’t get through the day without crying from pain.
She would literally close her office door so her co-workers wouldn’t see the tears streaming down her face as she attempted to do her job.
What makes this case more poignant is that the woman with CRPS was a registered nurse and opiates were the only drugs that relieved her symptoms.
Knowing that the tighter restrictions were coming, and not wanting to be left out in the cold, she weaned herself off of opioids and has been miserable ever since. She did NOT begin using heroin, I just want to make that clear. But she is continuing to suffer.
As a musician, I have seen my fair share of the death and destruction caused by heroin and other opioid abuse.
I have cried a million tears over bright lives cut short, of once happy, lawful people who have sunk to the depths of despair, stealing when money wasn’t there, selling their souls for the next fix.
There are no words in the English language that can adequately describe the sadness that surrounds opioid addiction.
I have no argument regarding the government’s intent in limiting the prescription of opioid painkillers; however, I believe physicians should have the latitude to consider each patient’s real needs and act accordingly.
By untying their hands, perhaps the rip-tide of heroin addiction can be mitigated.
If you, or someone you love, is suffering from opioid addiction, help is available. There are groups such as Narcotics Anonymous, where the support of others sharing the same journey is often enough to help someone regain their health.
It’s a long road, but as I’ve heard it said: The longest journey begins with a single step.
