Dr Salerian: November 2017

Wednesday, November 22, 2017

Saturday, November 4, 2017

PRESCRIPTION PAIN MEDICATIONS AND HEROIN EPIDEMIC, SALERIAN A J

PRESCRIPTION PAIN MEDICATIONS AND HEROIN EPIDEMIC

Alen J Salerian MD

For some time , Centers For Disease Control And Prevention has been broadcasting a message : Prescription pain medications have caused an epidemic of deaths and illicit use of heroin .This CDC claim is scientifically feeble.

Science says complex psychosocial influences and irrational governmental policies have caused the increasing overdose deaths.

US has an epidemic of chronic psychiatric disorders, pain and suicide. The number of suicide victims have consistently risen in the past 10 years reaching 44,000 fatalities or 13 deaths per 100.000 population. Conservative estimates place the number of Americans with chronic pain at an all time high of 80 million.

Millions of Americans in need of prescription medications for pain, addiction and depression have suffered immensely because of discriminatory regulations restricting easy access to treatment.

Draconian restrictions of prescription pain medications and treating pain doctors as criminals have triggered the rise in drug related fatalities.

Should we be surprised if high blood pressure related deaths surge upon regulations restricting easy access to anti- hypertensive medications ?

Discrimination against people with psychiatric disorders go back to ancient times.

I am saddened by an ugly reality : Today not only discrimination against people with mental problems remains alive ,but it is vigorously promoted by CDC.

References:

1.Vital Signs Issue details: Demographic and Substance Use Trends Among Heroin Users — United States, 2002–2013, Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (MMWR)

2. The National Academies Collection: Reports funded by National Institutes of Health (2011) Relieving pain in America: A Blueprint for Transforming Prevention, Care, Education and Research.

3. Kakko J, Svanborg KD, Kreek MJ, Helig M (2003) 1-year retention and social function after buprenorphine assisted relapse prevention trial. Lancet 361(9358): 662-668.

4. Salerian AJ (2015) Case studies of 17 Patients. Journal of case reports and studies 3(2): 203.

5 Salerian AJ (2015) Discontinuation of Opiate Treatment: A Retrospective Review of 49 patients. Journal of Psychology And Clinical Psychiatry 2(4): 00083.

6. Salerian AJ (2015) Opiates: Benefits and Overuse Potential. Pharmacy and Pharmacology International Journal 2(3): 00022.