How Doctors Contribute to America’s Opioid Addiction

Have you ever seen someone on the verge of a drug overdose? Medical professionals see it frequently. Some see it so frequently, in fact, that they can tell by looking at someone’s face what they are overdosing on.

Opiate abusers on the verge of overdosing have constricted pupils, are itching their skin, are turning pale and their skin is becoming clammy. Their fingernails and lips are turning blue or purple, and they are starting to make choking noises. When doctors see these signs, they know it is time to act quickly.

If doctors are so well versed in opiate overdose, why does one occur every 19 minutes in the United States? And why do doctors continue to prescribe these drugs for pain management when there are alternatives available?

It is known that some pharmaceutical companies misled the FDA. They downplayed the risks of opioid addiction in order to sell more drugs. It is also known that our own government has thrown up so many roadblocks that studying other therapies has become difficult at best.

In the same way that doctors write prescriptions for antibiotics far more than is necessary, medical professionals are writing prescriptions for opioids at an alarming rate. Even worse, those who have recovered from overdose are often able to receive another prescription for the drug, and often from the same doctor that issued the original prescription.

The short-term use of opioids and other dangerous drugs in North Carolina may be beneficial for severe pain caused by surgery or trauma. Long-term use for the management of chronic pain is something that needs to be considered a health risk. These drugs are highly addictive, and long-term use can be dangerous. Unfortunately, living pain-free is not always possible, and doctors should make their patients aware of this.

When you visit a medical professional, you believe that you will be taken care of properly. Unfortunately, medical errors happen and negligence occurs. If you believe that you or a loved one has been the victim of medical malpractice, you need an experienced attorney like Auger & Auger on your side. Call today for a free case evaluation and let us advise you of your options.