Opioid Addiction in the US, Heroin and Oxys

tempo_n_groove

Here on Long Island the new buzz word is "Opioid Addiction".  I've watched this problem grow worse and worse since 1999.

In 1999 I was working in Virginia at a place called Pennington Gap and most of the teens and young adults all did pills.  They preferred pharmaceuticals than to real drugs.  Oxycontin pills were later refereed to as "hillbilly heroin".

Well now this problem isn't for the rural folks, it's in suburbia bigger than ever.

I've watched friends and family members in their 20's and below get sucked into this.

Teach your kids at a young age about everything that's out there...

https://www.newsday.com/long-island/long-island-drug-dealers-law-enforcement-1.14669152

brianlux

tempo_n_groove said:

Here on Long Island the new buzz word is "Opioid Addiction".  I've watched this problem grow worse and worse since 1999.

In 1999 I was working in Virginia at a place called Pennington Gap and most of the teens and young adults all did pills.  They preferred pharmaceuticals than to real drugs.  Oxycontin pills were later refereed to as "hillbilly heroin".

Well now this problem isn't for the rural folks, it's in suburbia bigger than ever.

I've watched friends and family members in their 20's and below get sucked into this.

Teach your kids at a young age about everything that's out there...

https://www.newsday.com/long-island/long-island-drug-dealers-law-enforcement-1.14669152

It's easy to get hooked.  I was given Xanax for years for my ear hearing pain and anxiety.  Worked great for a while but after a few years being on it the effect kept decreasing and my intake increasing.  It was damn hard to kick.  Pharmaceuticals have their place and time but here in the US, they are way over prevalent.  I've hear somewhere around 70 percent of Americans take pharmaceuticals.  That's insane.  Now days, I refuse to take any pharmaceuticals.  No thanks!  Give me a little good natural cannabis with high CBD and I'm good to go.

tempo_n_groove

In NYC the mayor wants more of these "nasal sprays" to be carried by people.  Since Mayor Diblasio announced this the prices of the drug Nalaxone have tripled...
http://www1.nyc.gov/site/doh/health/health-topics/naloxone.page

https://www.nbcnews.com/health/health-news/surgeon-general-wants-naloxone-widely-hand-feasible-n866976

I'm surprised this doesn't get more traction.

Meltdown99

Doctors have been over prescribing them for years to their patients ... but that's what doctors do, they try to meet the needs of their patients...unfortunately the damage is done and more doctors need to take the approach my dr. takes when it comes to opioids...he exhaust all options before opioids are prescribed, he drug test his patients who are on opioids before refilling script, fires a patient ASAP if you are trying to dr shop at walk-in-clinics and he finds out ... but most importantly he prefers his patients to try marijuana first.  At a walk -in-clinic I have visited in the past there is doctor who lost his prescription privileges from over prescribing opioids.

tempo_n_groove

Meltdown99 said:

Doctors have been over prescribing them for years to their patients ... but that's what doctors do, they try to meet the needs of their patients...unfortunately the damage is done and more doctors need to take the approach my dr. takes when it comes to opioids...he exhaust all options before opioids are prescribed, he drug test his patients who are on opioids before refilling script, fires a patient ASAP if you are trying to dr shop at walk-in-clinics and he finds out ... but most importantly he prefers his patients to try marijuana first.  At a walk -in-clinic I have visited in the past there is doctor who lost his prescription privileges from over prescribing opioids.

Doctors were being put in jail for writing people bullshit scripts too.

When the pharmaceutical company that makes a rehab drug for the opioid you know there's a damn problem...

Degeneratefk

tempo_n_groove said:

In NYC the mayor wants more of these "nasal sprays" to be carried by people.  Since Mayor Diblasio announced this the prices of the drug Nalaxone have tripled...
http://www1.nyc.gov/site/doh/health/health-topics/naloxone.page

https://www.nbcnews.com/health/health-news/surgeon-general-wants-naloxone-widely-hand-feasible-n866976

I'm surprised this doesn't get more traction.

Narcan has gained a lot of traction.  Many ambulances and first responders carry it. And more insurance companies are paying for it. Pain doctors are also offering to their patients that are long term users. 

Degeneratefk

One huge conflict of interest though,  is the same companies that are manufacturing these opiates are now manufacturing the naloxone.  So, they're getting paid. 

Meltdown99

tempo_n_groove said:

Meltdown99 said:

Doctors have been over prescribing them for years to their patients ... but that's what doctors do, they try to meet the needs of their patients...unfortunately the damage is done and more doctors need to take the approach my dr. takes when it comes to opioids...he exhaust all options before opioids are prescribed, he drug test his patients who are on opioids before refilling script, fires a patient ASAP if you are trying to dr shop at walk-in-clinics and he finds out ... but most importantly he prefers his patients to try marijuana first.  At a walk -in-clinic I have visited in the past there is doctor who lost his prescription privileges from over prescribing opioids.

Doctors were being put in jail for writing people bullshit scripts too.

When the pharmaceutical company that makes a rehab drug for the opioid you know there's a damn problem...

I've never heard of a doctor in Canada going to jail for over-prescribing.  You do know that people need to be responsible as well.  No one forces these people to take these drugs...

tempo_n_groove

Meltdown99 said:

tempo_n_groove said:

Meltdown99 said:

Doctors have been over prescribing them for years to their patients ... but that's what doctors do, they try to meet the needs of their patients...unfortunately the damage is done and more doctors need to take the approach my dr. takes when it comes to opioids...he exhaust all options before opioids are prescribed, he drug test his patients who are on opioids before refilling script, fires a patient ASAP if you are trying to dr shop at walk-in-clinics and he finds out ... but most importantly he prefers his patients to try marijuana first.  At a walk -in-clinic I have visited in the past there is doctor who lost his prescription privileges from over prescribing opioids.

Doctors were being put in jail for writing people bullshit scripts too.

When the pharmaceutical company that makes a rehab drug for the opioid you know there's a damn problem...

I've never heard of a doctor in Canada going to jail for over-prescribing.  You do know that people need to be responsible as well.  No one forces these people to take these drugs...

There were many a doctor taking bribes/favors, whatever for scripts.  This isn't anything new.  
https://globalnews.ca/news/3389719/ontario-doctor-who-trafficked-fentanyl-and-forged-prescriptions-sentenced-to-2-years/

This happens here a lot too.

Meltdown99

That's trafficking and forgery ... not over-prescribing.  

tempo_n_groove

Meltdown99 said:

That's trafficking and forgery ... not over-prescribing.  

I never mentioned over prescribing but you apparently have only had one case!
https://www.theglobeandmail.com/canada/article-only-ontario-doctor-disciplined-for-prescribing-opioids-agrees-to-give/

HesCalledDyer

It's gotten really bad here where I live.  Pills, meth, heroin... it's all booming.

One of the reasons I changed doctors 2 years ago and chose the one I did is because she will not prescribe pain medication.  At least someone in the medical field has enough gall not to perpetuate the problem.

Meltdown99

HesCalledDyer said:

It's gotten really bad here where I live.  Pills, meth, heroin... it's all booming.

One of the reasons I changed doctors 2 years ago and chose the one I did is because she will not prescribe pain medication.  At least someone in the medical field has enough gall not to perpetuate the problem.

It sounds like you have a good doctor.  

Thoughts_Arrive

Here it is legal pain killers killing people more than smack.

tempo_n_groove

Thoughts_Arrive said:

Here it is legal pain killers killing people more than smack.

It starts off with pain killers because they are pretty much in everyones cabinet.  Then they turn to heroin because it's cheaper and easier to get.

I've been told if you go down the needle route there isn't a very good chance of you coming back from it...

josevolution

But but we have an administration that has done zero nada zilch on this front or am I wrong ? , all I ever hear from the head of it is if we build a wall this will all go away ! 

Thoughts_Arrive

tempo_n_groove said:

Thoughts_Arrive said:

Here it is legal pain killers killing people more than smack.

It starts off with pain killers because they are pretty much in everyones cabinet.  Then they turn to heroin because it's cheaper and easier to get.

I've been told if you go down the needle route there isn't a very good chance of you coming back from it...

I can see why people get on it.
I was prescribed some strong pain killers when I broke a bone in my foot.
Fuck it was the best feeling I've had. I couldn't work out why I felt so warm, fuzzy, and happy until I read the packet haha.
I was tempted to pop a few more after I no longer needed them but my mind said don't do it.

tempo_n_groove

josevolution said:

But but we have an administration that has done zero nada zilch on this front or am I wrong ? , all I ever hear from the head of it is if we build a wall this will all go away ! 

Jose I haven't seen any administration be able to do much with it.  I've watched this get worse and worse starting back in 99 so that is 4 different presidents and nothing was really done but take ephedrine off the shelves and make oxycontin possession a more punishable crime.

Every rap song talks about popping pills now.  Hell Eminem was rapping about it in the late 90's...

Education and have doctors stop prescribing these drugs like they are candy?

Meltdown99

Amazing how these highly addicted doctor prescribed pain meds are really available...yet the somehow marijuana remains illegal in most places...including Canada.

josevolution

I hear you and agree they are all complicit ..
https://amp.clarionledger.com/amp/1043205001

Thoughts_Arrive

I learned something interesting in my lecture on addiction today...
The opposite of addiction is connection.

Halifax2TheMax

So, how’s ‘ol Rush, “If I didn’t shoot it and divorce her,” Limbo feeling about the Louisiana Reversal and how great the drugs must flow? Huh? Any defenders here? 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0z-hKprKdII

tempo_n_groove

Halifax2TheMax said:

So, how’s ‘ol Rush, “If I didn’t shoot it and divorce her,” Limbo feeling about the Louisiana Reversal and how great the drugs must flow? Huh? Any defenders here? 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0z-hKprKdII

You linked a Johny Guitar video?

Halifax2TheMax

tempo_n_groove said:

Halifax2TheMax said:

So, how’s ‘ol Rush, “If I didn’t shoot it and divorce her,” Limbo feeling about the Louisiana Reversal and how great the drugs must flow? Huh? Any defenders here? 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0z-hKprKdII

You linked a Johny Guitar video?

I meant to link this. My bad.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hCDAfa-NI-M

dionnesimone

I would like to add another perspective on this issue:

I do not deny that there is much opiate abuse out there.

The current demonizing of opiates is very damaging to those that rely on them for basic life function.

I have a rarely diagnosed genetic disorder (Ehlers Danlos). The rate of diagnosis is, in itself a huge issue, but that is for another discussion altogether. One of the core issues of this disorder is intractable widespread pain. Many of the individuals with this disorder rely on opiates to function on a basic level. My presentation of this disorder is very mild, so I can typically function with OTC Ibuprofen. I start my day off with a minimum of 600mg, to just be able to do things like laundry and driving kids to school, and end my day with another minimum of 600mg. On really bad days I go as high as 1000mg every 4 hours (I metabolize meds quicker than most thanks to EDS.) My stomach is a mess.  I have a slew of nsaid prescriptions that I have tried. None of which relieve my pain. ($60.00 a pop for things that don't work.) I have muscle relaxers and migraine meds. Some days none of these things work, and so I end up curled up on the couch with a blanket over my head. "Couch" mom, is not a fun mom. I had the fortunate experience of having a bad flare up of bursitis a year ago, and a doctor willing to prescribe a mild opiate. I layered my meds, just like I always have to do, and was able to keep a few meds for future flare ups. On the days I would have needed to resort to "Couch" mom, I was able to function. Those days, I could even get out and tend to my dahlia garden. The script was mild enough to not get me high. I have never needed to be 100% pain free everyday. I need a few days of relief occasionally to be able to recharge myself to be able to handle pain days. I do not get to enjoy this luxury because of the current mindset about opiates. I would be thrilled to have a non-opiate solution to my pain flare ups.


Some people need opiates for basic function.

Individuals can metabolize meds in unique ways. (Because of this not all pain relievers work for everyone.)

More investment into research and development of alternative pain relievers is crucial.

Access to quality mental healthcare is essential.

At minimum, legalizing medical marijuana in all states. (Remember though, metabolism of anything can be unique to the individual. )

Intractable pain can rob someone of their will to live.

Intractable pain can disable a person that would rather be engaged physically.




 

tempo_n_groove

dionnesimone said:

I would like to add another perspective on this issue:

I do not deny that there is much opiate abuse out there.

The current demonizing of opiates is very damaging to those that rely on them for basic life function.

I have a rarely diagnosed genetic disorder (Ehlers Danlos). The rate of diagnosis is, in itself a huge issue, but that is for another discussion altogether. One of the core issues of this disorder is intractable widespread pain. Many of the individuals with this disorder rely on opiates to function on a basic level. My presentation of this disorder is very mild, so I can typically function with OTC Ibuprofen. I start my day off with a minimum of 600mg, to just be able to do things like laundry and driving kids to school, and end my day with another minimum of 600mg. On really bad days I go as high as 1000mg every 4 hours (I metabolize meds quicker than most thanks to EDS.) My stomach is a mess.  I have a slew of nsaid prescriptions that I have tried. None of which relieve my pain. ($60.00 a pop for things that don't work.) I have muscle relaxers and migraine meds. Some days none of these things work, and so I end up curled up on the couch with a blanket over my head. "Couch" mom, is not a fun mom. I had the fortunate experience of having a bad flare up of bursitis a year ago, and a doctor willing to prescribe a mild opiate. I layered my meds, just like I always have to do, and was able to keep a few meds for future flare ups. On the days I would have needed to resort to "Couch" mom, I was able to function. Those days, I could even get out and tend to my dahlia garden. The script was mild enough to not get me high. I have never needed to be 100% pain free everyday. I need a few days of relief occasionally to be able to recharge myself to be able to handle pain days. I do not get to enjoy this luxury because of the current mindset about opiates. I would be thrilled to have a non-opiate solution to my pain flare ups.


Some people need opiates for basic function.

Individuals can metabolize meds in unique ways. (Because of this not all pain relievers work for everyone.)

More investment into research and development of alternative pain relievers is crucial.

Access to quality mental healthcare is essential.

At minimum, legalizing medical marijuana in all states. (Remember though, metabolism of anything can be unique to the individual. )

Intractable pain can rob someone of their will to live.

Intractable pain can disable a person that would rather be engaged physically.




 

I agree with you last few statements.

Unfortunately when the pharmaceutical industry pushed the doctors to prescribe pain meds like candy it all started to go south...

Medical marijuana is going to be the future.  The tobacco inductry will find a way to fuck that up though...

dionnesimone

tempo_n_groove said:

dionnesimone said:

I would like to add another perspective on this issue:

I do not deny that there is much opiate abuse out there.

The current demonizing of opiates is very damaging to those that rely on them for basic life function.

I have a rarely diagnosed genetic disorder (Ehlers Danlos). The rate of diagnosis is, in itself a huge issue, but that is for another discussion altogether. One of the core issues of this disorder is intractable widespread pain. Many of the individuals with this disorder rely on opiates to function on a basic level. My presentation of this disorder is very mild, so I can typically function with OTC Ibuprofen. I start my day off with a minimum of 600mg, to just be able to do things like laundry and driving kids to school, and end my day with another minimum of 600mg. On really bad days I go as high as 1000mg every 4 hours (I metabolize meds quicker than most thanks to EDS.) My stomach is a mess.  I have a slew of nsaid prescriptions that I have tried. None of which relieve my pain. ($60.00 a pop for things that don't work.) I have muscle relaxers and migraine meds. Some days none of these things work, and so I end up curled up on the couch with a blanket over my head. "Couch" mom, is not a fun mom. I had the fortunate experience of having a bad flare up of bursitis a year ago, and a doctor willing to prescribe a mild opiate. I layered my meds, just like I always have to do, and was able to keep a few meds for future flare ups. On the days I would have needed to resort to "Couch" mom, I was able to function. Those days, I could even get out and tend to my dahlia garden. The script was mild enough to not get me high. I have never needed to be 100% pain free everyday. I need a few days of relief occasionally to be able to recharge myself to be able to handle pain days. I do not get to enjoy this luxury because of the current mindset about opiates. I would be thrilled to have a non-opiate solution to my pain flare ups.


Some people need opiates for basic function.

Individuals can metabolize meds in unique ways. (Because of this not all pain relievers work for everyone.)

More investment into research and development of alternative pain relievers is crucial.

Access to quality mental healthcare is essential.

At minimum, legalizing medical marijuana in all states. (Remember though, metabolism of anything can be unique to the individual. )

Intractable pain can rob someone of their will to live.

Intractable pain can disable a person that would rather be engaged physically.




 

I agree with you last few statements.

Unfortunately when the pharmaceutical industry pushed the doctors to prescribe pain meds like candy it all started to go south...

Medical marijuana is going to be the future.  The tobacco inductry will find a way to fuck that up though...

Not only the tobacco industry but also the pharmaceutical industry will fight it tooth and nail, until they find a way to monetize it for themselves. (I would love if marijuana helped me. Unfortunately my body responds negatively to any strain that I have tried in the past. This may be because of my disorder.)

I agree that opiates have been over prescribed.

If you only agree with a few of my last statements, I would encourage you to look into some of the things you disagree with further. It may or may not sway your perspective, but will absolutely give you more to think about.

This is my favorite site for information on issues relating to Ehlers Danlos. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/?term=ehlers+danlos+syndrome  https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/?term=Ehlers+danlos+pain Through awareness spread by friends with the disorder, and this site, I was able to get my official diagnosis from a geneticist. Without these sources/resources, I would have died without a diagnosis.

tempo_n_groove

dionnesimone said:

tempo_n_groove said:

dionnesimone said:

I would like to add another perspective on this issue:

I do not deny that there is much opiate abuse out there.

The current demonizing of opiates is very damaging to those that rely on them for basic life function.

I have a rarely diagnosed genetic disorder (Ehlers Danlos). The rate of diagnosis is, in itself a huge issue, but that is for another discussion altogether. One of the core issues of this disorder is intractable widespread pain. Many of the individuals with this disorder rely on opiates to function on a basic level. My presentation of this disorder is very mild, so I can typically function with OTC Ibuprofen. I start my day off with a minimum of 600mg, to just be able to do things like laundry and driving kids to school, and end my day with another minimum of 600mg. On really bad days I go as high as 1000mg every 4 hours (I metabolize meds quicker than most thanks to EDS.) My stomach is a mess.  I have a slew of nsaid prescriptions that I have tried. None of which relieve my pain. ($60.00 a pop for things that don't work.) I have muscle relaxers and migraine meds. Some days none of these things work, and so I end up curled up on the couch with a blanket over my head. "Couch" mom, is not a fun mom. I had the fortunate experience of having a bad flare up of bursitis a year ago, and a doctor willing to prescribe a mild opiate. I layered my meds, just like I always have to do, and was able to keep a few meds for future flare ups. On the days I would have needed to resort to "Couch" mom, I was able to function. Those days, I could even get out and tend to my dahlia garden. The script was mild enough to not get me high. I have never needed to be 100% pain free everyday. I need a few days of relief occasionally to be able to recharge myself to be able to handle pain days. I do not get to enjoy this luxury because of the current mindset about opiates. I would be thrilled to have a non-opiate solution to my pain flare ups.


Some people need opiates for basic function.

Individuals can metabolize meds in unique ways. (Because of this not all pain relievers work for everyone.)

More investment into research and development of alternative pain relievers is crucial.

Access to quality mental healthcare is essential.

At minimum, legalizing medical marijuana in all states. (Remember though, metabolism of anything can be unique to the individual. )

Intractable pain can rob someone of their will to live.

Intractable pain can disable a person that would rather be engaged physically.




 

I agree with you last few statements.

Unfortunately when the pharmaceutical industry pushed the doctors to prescribe pain meds like candy it all started to go south...

Medical marijuana is going to be the future.  The tobacco inductry will find a way to fuck that up though...

Not only the tobacco industry but also the pharmaceutical industry will fight it tooth and nail, until they find a way to monetize it for themselves. (I would love if marijuana helped me. Unfortunately my body responds negatively to any strain that I have tried in the past. This may be because of my disorder.)

I agree that opiates have been over prescribed.

If you only agree with a few of my last statements, I would encourage you to look into some of the things you disagree with further. It may or may not sway your perspective, but will absolutely give you more to think about.

I meant to say I agree with your statements.  Nothing to disagree with.

Thanks for sharing with us!

dionnesimone

tempo_n_groove said:

dionnesimone said:

tempo_n_groove said:

dionnesimone said:

I would like to add another perspective on this issue:

I do not deny that there is much opiate abuse out there.

The current demonizing of opiates is very damaging to those that rely on them for basic life function.

I have a rarely diagnosed genetic disorder (Ehlers Danlos). The rate of diagnosis is, in itself a huge issue, but that is for another discussion altogether. One of the core issues of this disorder is intractable widespread pain. Many of the individuals with this disorder rely on opiates to function on a basic level. My presentation of this disorder is very mild, so I can typically function with OTC Ibuprofen. I start my day off with a minimum of 600mg, to just be able to do things like laundry and driving kids to school, and end my day with another minimum of 600mg. On really bad days I go as high as 1000mg every 4 hours (I metabolize meds quicker than most thanks to EDS.) My stomach is a mess.  I have a slew of nsaid prescriptions that I have tried. None of which relieve my pain. ($60.00 a pop for things that don't work.) I have muscle relaxers and migraine meds. Some days none of these things work, and so I end up curled up on the couch with a blanket over my head. "Couch" mom, is not a fun mom. I had the fortunate experience of having a bad flare up of bursitis a year ago, and a doctor willing to prescribe a mild opiate. I layered my meds, just like I always have to do, and was able to keep a few meds for future flare ups. On the days I would have needed to resort to "Couch" mom, I was able to function. Those days, I could even get out and tend to my dahlia garden. The script was mild enough to not get me high. I have never needed to be 100% pain free everyday. I need a few days of relief occasionally to be able to recharge myself to be able to handle pain days. I do not get to enjoy this luxury because of the current mindset about opiates. I would be thrilled to have a non-opiate solution to my pain flare ups.


Some people need opiates for basic function.

Individuals can metabolize meds in unique ways. (Because of this not all pain relievers work for everyone.)

More investment into research and development of alternative pain relievers is crucial.

Access to quality mental healthcare is essential.

At minimum, legalizing medical marijuana in all states. (Remember though, metabolism of anything can be unique to the individual. )

Intractable pain can rob someone of their will to live.

Intractable pain can disable a person that would rather be engaged physically.




 

I agree with you last few statements.

Unfortunately when the pharmaceutical industry pushed the doctors to prescribe pain meds like candy it all started to go south...

Medical marijuana is going to be the future.  The tobacco inductry will find a way to fuck that up though...

Not only the tobacco industry but also the pharmaceutical industry will fight it tooth and nail, until they find a way to monetize it for themselves. (I would love if marijuana helped me. Unfortunately my body responds negatively to any strain that I have tried in the past. This may be because of my disorder.)

I agree that opiates have been over prescribed.

If you only agree with a few of my last statements, I would encourage you to look into some of the things you disagree with further. It may or may not sway your perspective, but will absolutely give you more to think about.

I meant to say I agree with your statements.  Nothing to disagree with.

Thanks for sharing with us!

LOL, oh the internet is so crazy. Getting wires crossed and stuff. Thank you for responding.

Cheers!

tempo_n_groove

"Almost every state is suing Purdue Pharma, the maker of Oxycontin."
https://www.cnbc.com/2019/06/04/nearly-every-us-state-is-now-suing-oxycontin-maker-purdue-pharma.html

This will be very interesting to watch unfold.

The damage is done though.  I hope they can figure out a way to not reproduce the tragedy.

Meltdown99

Ohio doctor charged with 25 counts of murder, accused of prescribing excessive doses of painkillers
https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/ohio-doctor-charged-25-counts-murder-accused-prescribing-excessive-doses-n970026?fbclid=IwAR3kod_UARGGitHvabYPw2hcsOp1MNyfeXHDtMlADQu03ypx88sR0pOwekA