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Addiction: Opiate Addiction
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What is so tricky about vicodin addiction is the most popular way it starts. The story of vicodin addiction usually begins with a simple surgery. The doctor, knowing the patient will be in pain, prescribes them with pain medication. Being that vicodin is a great painkiller it is one of the more popularly prescribed painkillers. And what makes vicodin and other strong painkillers different from over-the-counter painkillers is that it is derived from an opiate. Opium is the same drug used to manufacture heroin.
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Ironically, the majority of adult patients treated for addiction at Florida Detox(TM) have been prescribed both classes of drugs by their doctor. Many of these patients state that their "pain doctor" simply asks them what opiate or benzo they want, spending less than five minutes with them, during their visit. These patients become dysfunctional at work and home secondary to decreased cognitive ability. Many experience short-term memory problems and frequently forget how much medication they have taken. This phenomenon can precipitate accidental overdose, as in the case of Heath Ledger. Unfortunately, many physicians fail to closely monitor the patient's declining mental function.
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The feature-length documentary film ADDICTION is the centerpiece of the Addiction project. Bringing together the nation's leading experts with award- winning filmmakers, it consists of nine separate segments, including: "Saturday Night in a Dallas ER," by Jon Alpert; "A Mother's Desperation," by Susan Froemke and Albert Maysles; "The Science of Relapse," by Eugene Jarecki and Susan Froemke; "The Adolescent Addict," by Kate Davis and David Heilbroner; "Brain Imaging," by Liz Garbus and Rory Kennedy; "Opiate Addiction: A New Medication," by D.A. Pennebaker and Chris Hegedus; "Topiramate: A Clinical Trial for Alcoholism," by Alan and Susan Raymond; "Steamfitters Local Union 638," by Barbara Kopple; and "Insurance Woes," by Susan Froemke. ADDICTION is produced by John Hoffman and Susan Froemke; executive produced by Sheila Nevins.
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The obsolete term physical addiction is deprecated, because of its connotations. In modern pain management with opioids physical dependence is nearly universal. While opiates are essential in the treatment of acute pain, the benefit of this class of medication in chronic pain is not well proven. Clearly, there are those who would not function well without opiate treatment; on the other hand, many states are noting significant increases in non-intentional deaths related to opiate use. High-quality, long-term studies are needed to better delineate the risks and benefits of chronic opiate use.
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The healthcare community distinguishes between physical dependence and psychological addiction. The physical dependency a substance creates is defined by the appearance of withdrawal symptoms when the drug is discontinued. While opiates and drugs such as heroin, oxycontin, methadone, benzodiazepines or alcohol are known for their ability to create a physical dependence, other drugs share this feature that are not considered addictive: anti-depressants for example. Cocaine and marijuana are ... considered addictive but do not create a physical dependence. This leads most professionals to the conclusion that while physical dependency is a major factor in addiction, the primary factor of an addictive drug is its ability to induce euphoria or pleasurable feelings, while causing harm to the individual.
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Today, a new opiate addiction treatment has emerged called the Waismann Methodsm. It is performed by a handful of select treatment clinics throughout the world. The Waismann Methodsm utilizes the most advanced medical biotechnology available today. It integrates cutting-edge research in the field of opioid receptors and its significance on the physical and psychological components of opiate dependency.
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Opiate Addiction