In recent days, it has come to mind that there are some folks out there who think that addiction to dangerous drugs (such as opioids) only pertains to people who use drugs recreationally. They believe that using medication for legitimate medical purposes does not lead to addiction. Sadly, this is not the case.
In reality, the human body does not know the difference between a legitimate use or illegitimate use, and in the end, the consequences are the same if a certain line is crossed.Many people have been prescribed pain medications for legitimate pain issues only to end up addicted in the end. Here are some examples of well-known who fell into this trap:
Rush Limbaugh This talk radio icon began using pain medications for a back problem. Dependency on the medications gravitated to doctor-shopping and legal charges against Limbaugh. Eventually, he checked himself into a rehab program.
Carrie Fisher This celebrity, known for her role in the "Star Wars" saga, reveals her long time battle with mental illness and drug abuse in the interview you can read by clicking the link. In 2009 she released a book entitled "Wishful Drinking" which is basically the story of her struggles with substances.
Elvis Presley Most of us know the legendary Mr. Presley...and that he struggled for many years with substance abuse problems. Many celebrities have taken this road; they turn to medication to help the deal with the issues of being famous, and they have more than enough money to find themselves a personal physician who will give them their heart's desire in pill form when requested. Sadly, this ended fatally for "the king."
Tommy Dorsey American jazz trombonist Tommy Dorsey was another celebrity who fell victim to the hazards of looking for answers in pill form. Mr. Dorsey became a regular user of sleeping pills. One night he was so sedated from the medication that he choked in his sleep. Sadly, his life was cut short at a young 51 years of age.
Michael Jackson This famous Jackson brother had a long history of drug abuse that went on for many years before his infamous propofol death in 2009. Apparently he fell victim to painkillers during his life, and went to rehab on two different occasions. In the end, Michael battled insomnia and his doctor at the time was using propofol to help Michael "sleep" during his rigorous schedule.
Although propofol is not a pain medication or a sleep medication by any stretch of the imagination, the result was fatal, as we all know.
In this author's humble opinion, pain medications have their place in chronic pain conditions...but daily use is a big red flag. Taking pain medication daily over a long period of time is best suited for those who have pain from terminal conditions, with very rare exception.
Sources: Washington Post; ABC Australia; Wikipedia: CNN;WebMD;Flickr
In reality, the human body does not know the difference between a legitimate use or illegitimate use, and in the end, the consequences are the same if a certain line is crossed.Many people have been prescribed pain medications for legitimate pain issues only to end up addicted in the end. Here are some examples of well-known who fell into this trap:
Rush Limbaugh This talk radio icon began using pain medications for a back problem. Dependency on the medications gravitated to doctor-shopping and legal charges against Limbaugh. Eventually, he checked himself into a rehab program.
Carrie Fisher This celebrity, known for her role in the "Star Wars" saga, reveals her long time battle with mental illness and drug abuse in the interview you can read by clicking the link. In 2009 she released a book entitled "Wishful Drinking" which is basically the story of her struggles with substances.
Elvis Presley Most of us know the legendary Mr. Presley...and that he struggled for many years with substance abuse problems. Many celebrities have taken this road; they turn to medication to help the deal with the issues of being famous, and they have more than enough money to find themselves a personal physician who will give them their heart's desire in pill form when requested. Sadly, this ended fatally for "the king."
Tommy Dorsey American jazz trombonist Tommy Dorsey was another celebrity who fell victim to the hazards of looking for answers in pill form. Mr. Dorsey became a regular user of sleeping pills. One night he was so sedated from the medication that he choked in his sleep. Sadly, his life was cut short at a young 51 years of age.
Michael Jackson This famous Jackson brother had a long history of drug abuse that went on for many years before his infamous propofol death in 2009. Apparently he fell victim to painkillers during his life, and went to rehab on two different occasions. In the end, Michael battled insomnia and his doctor at the time was using propofol to help Michael "sleep" during his rigorous schedule.
Although propofol is not a pain medication or a sleep medication by any stretch of the imagination, the result was fatal, as we all know.
In this author's humble opinion, pain medications have their place in chronic pain conditions...but daily use is a big red flag. Taking pain medication daily over a long period of time is best suited for those who have pain from terminal conditions, with very rare exception.
Sources: Washington Post; ABC Australia; Wikipedia: CNN;WebMD;Flickr
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