Study examines use of opioids

[Guest guest]

Study examines use of opioids

http://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2008-08/bu-seu082708.php

Researchers from Boston University's Slone Epidemiology Center have

found that in a given week, over 10 million Americans are taking

opioids, and more than 4 million are taking them regularly (at least

five days per week, for at least four weeks). These findings appear

in the August 31 issue of the journal Pain.

Opioids are commonly administered for the treatment of moderate to

severe pain and are among the most widely prescribed drugs in the

United States. While these drugs have an essential role in pain

management, there are concerns about potential abuse. Despite these

concerns, characteristics of opioid use within the non-

institutionalized US population are not well known, particularly for

recent years.

The researchers conducted a telephone survey of randomly selected

U.S. households; there were 19,150 subjects aged 18 years or older

interviewed from February 1998 through September 2006. Information

was gathered on all prescription and non-prescription medications

taken during the preceding seven days. For each recorded medication,

information was obtained on reason for use, type of administration,

number of days taken in the week before the interview, and total

duration of the current use.

The researchers found opioids were used 'regularly' by 2 percent of

those surveyed. An additional 2.9 percent used opioids less

frequently. Regular opioid use increased with age, decreased with

education level, and was more common in females and in non-Hispanic

whites. The prevalence of regular opioid use increased over time and

was highest in the South Central region of the country. Among regular

users, almost half had been taking opioids for two or more years and

nearly one-fifth had been taking opioids for five years or longer.

There was also a much higher prevalence of other medication use among

regular opioid users compared to nonusers.

According to the researchers, given the large number of individuals

affected, the recent increase in public health concern for safe and

effective pain management is appropriate. " From this nationally

representative telephone survey, we estimate that more than 4.3

million U.S. adults are taking opioids regularly in any given week, "

said lead author Judith Parsells of the Slone Epidemiology

Center. " The extent and characteristics of opioid use among U.S.

adults reflected in this study reinforces the need to strike a

rational balance between opioid misuse and effective control of

chronic pain, " she added.

[Guest guest]

Hello all,

Since I am a controlled and carefully monitored user of opioids myself, I

thought it appropriate to respond to this article. It seems that all we see in

the public eye is the stories of opioid abuse and misuse rather than the

positive effects the drugs have on

chronic pain patients like me.

I went to a pain clinic here at the Children's Hospital in Denver (which is by

the way not only the best kids' hospital on earth, but also has one of the best

pain clinics I have ever seen even to this day) and was eventually prescribed

narcotics for my foot/ankle pain

associated with my CMT progression in symptoms. The very directed and carefully

monitored pain management program included an anti-depressant which I am still

using today (Cymbalta) as well as an anti-inflammatory drug.

My pain has become progressively worse over the years since that time and if it

wasn't for the Methadone (and Oxycodone for breakthrough pain) which I have

taken on a regular basis for quite a few years now, I would cease to function

almost entirely. I believe, yes,

there is and needs to be a distinction and balance between over-use of opioids

and balancing their use with therapeutic applications.

However, the almost pivotal issue the author of this article did not make a case

for is that pain management is not only about one " wonder " drug; rather it is

about a cooperative of medications and other types of physical or occupational

therapies which when combined can manage most even chronic pain with very

positive results.

Please be aware I am addressing the article author's opinions and distinctions

and not lashing out at Gretchen who posted the article. Thanks for finding

that, Gretchen!

Charlie