Opioid Crisis

In the present day there is a harsh stigma towards the use of opioid narcotic medication. Stories of addiction and overdose are passed around. The media is brimming with panic over the use of these medications. By and large, this can be seen as more of an overdose crisis than an opioid crisis. Federal and medical guidelines for prescribing opioid medications have changed drastically over the last several years because of this epidemic. Unfortunately, due to the increasing level of abuse that these medications are associated with, people with chronic pain are untreated, undermedicated, and suffering. Opiate narcotics, when used properly by responsible patients, are invaluable in alleviating acute or chronic cases of moderate to severe pain.

This was nearing the climax of the opioid epidemic and doctors were becoming more stringent. I needed several surgeries and wasn’t able to attend school due to being in the hospital. Doctors tried to treat my pain with unorthodox remedies to avoid keeping me on traditional painkillers. I was removed from them “cold turkey” and underwent abrupt withdrawals. I was put on other strong medications, such as GABA analogues (Gabapentin, Pregabalin) for nerve pain. I developed severe brain fog and seizures from taking these medications. I endured many side effects that I didn’t have previously while taking opioids. I wasn’t taking the medication that had helped me for so long. Fortunately, I was able to find a doctor who was able to put me on opioid antagonist drug, Low Dose Naltrexone. This medication is not FDA approved and is not covered by my insurance, so it is very expensive. I must have it compounded in a specialist pharmacy and shipped in from out of state. Most doctors are not willing to take on the risk that comes with prescribing a drug that is not FDA approved. These medications also do not work for everyone. This medication allows me to get out of bed every day. Before this medication, since opioids, I was unable to go to school or work. Now I am able to have relief from my discomfort. Although I have many underlying health issues and medication is simply one facet of my treatment, it provides me reprieve I so desperately needed. I am lucky, but so many people that I know who are in chronic pain are not. Many patients are suffering in the interim of doctors not being able to prescribe their pain medication and not having a solution to replace opioid