For a moment, imagine how difficult a doctor’s job can be nowadays. Besides having to help a string of patients suffering from illnesses and diseases, these men and women have to navigate stormy seas through government regulations and public perceptions about the medications that (at one point) were brushed aside as a common component of healing. Another unfortunate addition to their cauldron of misfortunate is the Opioid Crisis, an epidemic that claims thousands of lives every time we turn around. Now, the drugs that are designed to help chronic patients who have undergone surgery or cope with chronic pain are wreaking havoc in the streets. Perhaps you can see why the process of prescribing opioids nowadays is a very risky business. Let’s take a closer look and find out more information.
Exercising Extreme Caution
Although doctors are fully aware that their patients are suffering from debilitating or irritating pain, these trained physicians still have to exercise extreme caution when deciding about prescribing painkillers. Due to the rigorous laws (including the Controlled Substances Act) that govern the scheduling and distribution of these drugs, doctors can potentially face criminal charges or malpractice if they prescribe opioids for the wrong reasons. On a different note, many physicians are rightfully scared of triggering opioid use disorder in patients, particularly among those who don’t need these drugs. As a result, doctors must think long and hard about whether their patients truly need painkillers or not.
Pain Drug Laws Can Help
Regardless of the stressful situation, some laws have been set in place to help. For example, in 2016, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) provided a set of recommended steps for doctors to follow as part of the “opioid prescription” process. As part of this list, doctors will typically prescribe opioids to patients who suffer from pain for longer than 3 months or who are suffering from a debilitating illness (like cancer or HIV/AIDS).
Seeking Treatment for Opioid Use Disorder
Opioids may be helpful additions to the daily lives of cancer patients and HIV/AIDS victims, but, on the other hand, these drugs are exceptionally tricky, having a high rate for abuse and addiction. Do not let these drugs get a hold of you, especially if you have a history of abuse and/or addiction. If you, a friend, or a loved one has fallen victim to opioid use disorder and have found yourselves in desperate situations, the time to take back control of your life is now.
For in-depth help and care, get in touch with Asana Recovery today. Our professional team of trained counselors and healthcare are ready to guide you through each of the difficult stages of withdrawal, detox, and rehabilitation. While the road to recovery might not be an easy road to travel, we promise to help you every step of the way. Take the first step to stay fit, healthy, and safe that is 100% opioid-free.
If you want to find out more about our residential treatment or supervised detoxification/withdrawal programs or enroll in one of these programs today, we are ready and waiting to speak with you at your leisure and your disclosure. Call Asana now at (949) 438-4504 to learn how you can overcome your opioid use disorder.
