Is Pain Medication the Answer?

Daily, people come into our office and say they “do not want to start taking narcotics” out of a fear of addiction. We explain that there is a possibly of addiction, dependency, or tolerance to the medication. That is not our goal and that is why we monitor so closely for such behavior. Pseudo addiction is when a patient displays all the criteria of someone being addicted to opioid medication, but their behavior is not an addiction problem. Their problems exist due their physician under prescribing the medication necessary to control their pain, which in turn makes them portray behavior of an addict seeking pain medication. As soon as the medication is raised to the necessary level to control their pain, the patient’s addiction characteristics disappear. These aberrant behavioral characteristics will not disappear with increased doses in a truly addicted person.

After I explain the different possible conditions and the inherent dangers of the medications, I then explain to the patient that our goal is to achieve the highest quality of life that their condition allows. Yes, a patient in their 20’s, 30’s or 40’s who starts on scheduled medication to control their pain may become dependent, tolerant, addicted or pseudo-addicted. However, if they do not utilize some available service or medication to control their pain they then become dependent, or addicted to their pain.

The question to be answered is;

-Are you better off taking medication to control your pain which improves your quality of life and enables you to live as normal as possible?

Or

-Are you better off not taking medication to ease your pain? Are you able to bear with the pain and enjoy family, friends, work, and recreation? One way or another people who suffer from chronic pain will be dependent on either pain medication or unfortunately pain itself.

At the least, your quality of life may improve and be more enjoyable with pain controlling medication. That is not to say all patients in pain are candidates for pain medication. Call your primary physician and discuss this matter or call our toll free number 866-723-9002 to set up a phone consultation appointment.

Remember: Pain is inevitable, but suffering is optional!