“They told me because of the new law they had to cut me back. It just hurts, I don’t want to walk, I don’t want to… pretty much don’t want to do anything,” said one pain patient. New bipartisan legislation curbing the pharmaceutical use of opioids in Arizona has been put into action. In January, Arizona… Continue reading Chronic Pain Patients Feel The Effects Of Arizona Opioid Legislation
Tag: opioids
Massachusetts Sues Purdue Pharma Over Opioid Crisis
Sixteen individuals are named in the lawsuit, including a few members of the Sackler family. The state of Massachusetts is suing 16 current and former Purdue Pharma board members and executives for their alleged role in the continuing opioid crisis. Massachusetts Attorney General Maura Healey says this is the first lawsuit brought on by a… Continue reading Massachusetts Sues Purdue Pharma Over Opioid Crisis
Opioid Crisis “More Deadly” Than AIDS Epidemic, CDC Director Says
CDC director Dr. Robert Redfield discussed the parallels between the crises and his plans to combat opioids during a recent interview. Robert Redfield has only been the director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) since March, but in that time he has made his stance on the opioid crisis known. Redfield, 66,… Continue reading Opioid Crisis “More Deadly” Than AIDS Epidemic, CDC Director Says
Dope Sick: Breaking Down Opioid Withdrawal
The strength it takes for a broken down, tormented person, feeling sick and hopeless every single day, to say, “No more” to their source of relief is something many people cannot even fathom. Dope sickness (from opioid withdrawal) or even just the fear of dope sickness can trigger a desperation and panic unlike any other.… Continue reading Dope Sick: Breaking Down Opioid Withdrawal
Kids, Parents & Grandparents All Face Strain Of Opioid Crisis
One expert estimates that for every child in foster care due to a parent’s addiction there are 18 to 20 children who have been informally taken in by family members. When parents are living with opioid addiction—or even trying to establish their lives in recovery—it can take a toll on the whole family, from kids… Continue reading Kids, Parents & Grandparents All Face Strain Of Opioid Crisis
Opioid Makers Cut Back On Marketing Payouts To Doctors
In 2016, Big Pharma shelled out more than $15 million to doctors for opioid-related marketing—33% less than the year prior. Drugmakers are cutting back on opioid-related marketing payouts to doctors, according to a data analysis by ProPublica. The newly released figures come as the latest update to the nonprofit news site’s Dollars for Docs online… Continue reading Opioid Makers Cut Back On Marketing Payouts To Doctors
Kratom Draws Support And Controversy As Opioid Addiction Treatment
“It’s like a cruel joke that I finally found something that works and the FDA and DEA want it banned,” said one kratom user. A controversial supplement, kratom, could have benefits when it comes to treating opioid use disorder, according to a new study. However, there is still much controversy around it due to safety… Continue reading Kratom Draws Support And Controversy As Opioid Addiction Treatment
Too Often, Insurers Cover Opioids But Not Addiction Treatment Meds
“Buprenorphine and methadone are incredibly effective medications… So I really do think it’s a stigma issue.” As is the case for many people battling opioid addiction, Mandy’s dependency started at home. She was prescribed an opioid for back pain, and her insurance company gladly covered the cost of the pills. However, after Mandy became dependent… Continue reading Too Often, Insurers Cover Opioids But Not Addiction Treatment Meds
Drug Shortages Affect Hospitals Across US
The national drug shortage has been severe enough for the FDA to allow Pfizer to sell products that normally would have been recalled. Emergency departments across the United States are feeling the strain of drug shortages that are affecting physicians’ ability to treat pain and other ailments. According to the New York Times, some hospitals,… Continue reading Drug Shortages Affect Hospitals Across US
Tougher Laws, Stricter Prescription Limits For Opioids In Tennessee
The state’s TN Together opioid plan is a multi-faceted initiative with three areas of focus: prevention, treatment, and law enforcement. In Tennessee, Governor Bill Haslam has put together a new plan to fight the opioid epidemic, called TN Together. New laws just passed in Tennessee include policies from Governor Haslam’s plan, intended to both decrease… Continue reading Tougher Laws, Stricter Prescription Limits For Opioids In Tennessee