Unfortunately, individuals who are prescribed opioids due chronic pain are being sacrificed for those who are your "common" street users addicted to those same opioids. The issue is that there is absolutely no research differentiating those who are prescribed and those who are getting their drugs on the street. There has been no proof whatsoever that people who are prescribed opioids from their physicians, (who, btw know their patients best), are the ones that are abusing these drugs. So the Federal and Ontario governments have arbitrarily decided that ANYONE who is taking opioid drugs, prescribed or not, must cease taking them immediately - without any substantive proof that they have a negative affect on those who actually need the drugs - not those who are taking these drugs to "feel good". Doctors are being intimidated and are either refusing to prescribe these drugs or cutting back on their prescriptions because the College of Physicians and Surgeons are threatening their licenses.
So, according to these two government entities, rather than figuring out what the real issue is, the solution is to cut EVERYONE off This is truly disturbing. Did anyone happen to hear the Federal Minister of Health on the Roy Green Show a couple of weeks ago regarding this issue? She is, apparently a doctor and was absolutely clueless about the issues regarding these drugs. I don't profess to be an expert but I was really embarrassed at the answers she gave to Mr. Green who was simply asking her questions regarding opioid use in Canada; questions that people who had contacted him, who have been prescribed these very drugs, had because they are really concerned about where the governments are going regarding these drugs. . She requested (according to Mr. Green) to be interviewed about his topic but failed miserably in providing answers to his questions. I can guarantee you that she is regretting that interview and if she isn't, she's a fool.
I have heard many interviews from pain specialists who state the if someone is truly in pain, they cannot become addicted to medications because they actually need them. Those who do not suffer from chronic pain will become addicted to these drugs within a very short period of time.
My brother who has suffered extensive nerve damage and is basically in constant pain has been given medications that help him cope with his pain. The pain is always there; it's just manageable with the drugs that he takes. Without the drugs that he takes on a regular basis, the pain would increase to such an extent that he is literally on the floor. Unfortunately for him, the drugs don't always work and he has "attacks" which means that his pain increases to such an extent that the drugs don't have any affect. He simply "rides out" the attack for however long it takes. I can't imagine.....I cannot comprehend what he goes through on a daily basis.
I have often admired him as he has had his contrition for over 15 years - I doubt I would have lasted as long as he has - I would seriously considered suicide. The opioids that he has been prescribed by his pain clinic has helped him so far; but it's a basically a work-in-progress - the medications are constant being adjusted depending on his circumstances at any point in time .
I also admire his wife who has stood by him; not being able to help him when the attacks occur. They've lost friends because they don't understand his condition; they seldom go anywhere because they don't know when an "attack" may occur. Having to have someone with him when driving in his car in case an attack occurs so that they can assist him as required. Having to fight for the ability to drive (license taken away due to medical condition) but once medications stabilized his condition, he was able to get it back. Still, he doesn't drive unless he absolutely has to and has been provided with a Mobility Scooter which helps him continue to be independent and not having to rely on others to get around. He (obviously) is "retired" and because his wife works full time, utilizes the scooter to get around without having to actually drive his car.
Do you honestly think that a 230 lb. 6" 1" man who has experienced severe pain, in public, squirming on the floor of a mall, in public, really and truly wants to be seen in public is taking these medications because he's "addicted". Seriously? How humiliating it must be for him when this happens. He takes these drugs because he has a semblance of life; a quality of life he can accept. Otherwise, why would he want to continue?
There must be a differentiation between those who abuse drugs and those who actually require these drugs because of various medical conditions; those who don't want to commit suicide but want to have a modicum of a life - one that has some quality to it..
How dare those who think they know better than any physician make decisions they know absolutely nothing about.
JMHO
