Pain Recovery

Addiction, Drug Abuse & Stigma: How This Fits With Chronic Pain

admin — Fri, 16 Jul 2010 23:58:43 +0000

You may have recently read about Las Vegas entertainer Danny Gans whose untimely death was caused by “acute hydromorphone intoxication” and “chronic pain syndrome” according to the death certificate. The story is incomplete and may never be complete – but, clearly, this talented performer died as a result of taking a powerful painkiller, perhaps without a . . . → Read More: Addiction, Drug Abuse & Stigma: How This Fits With Chronic Pain

Chronic Pain & Addiction: Double Trouble

admin — Fri, 16 Jul 2010 23:55:51 +0000

According to a 2006 study, 90 percent of all people in the US receiving treatment for pain management receive prescriptions for opioid medication. These medications carry with them a risk of dependency and addiction. For those with chronic pain who become addicted when they take opioids for pain relief, the two conditions exacerbate each other, making . . . → Read More: Chronic Pain & Addiction: Double Trouble

The Stigma of Addiction

admin — Fri, 16 Jul 2010 18:27:03 +0000

Why are the words “addiction” and “addict” so problematic for so many people? Much of this difficulty can be attributed to the stigma that is assigned to them. Merriam-Webster’s Collegiate Dictionary defines stigma as “a mark of shame or discredit.”* It is often attached to social judgment and cultural norms. The stigma attached to “addiction” and . . . → Read More: The Stigma of Addiction