Survey Paints Bleak Picture of Physician Perceptions on Opioid Misuse, Abuse

A very interesting article on pain doctors and feelings on Opiates

Survey Paints Bleak Picture of Physician Perceptions on Opioid Misuse, Abuse

by Donald M. Pizzi
Although much research has shown that diverted prescriptions are the cause of many opioid-related overdose events, there are those who attribute the rise in opioid overdoses during the last decade to increased prescribing, mainly in the primary care setting. Now, new data show that misperceptions and a lack of education on the part of physicians treating pain may be a factor in the misuse and abuse of opioid medications. The discrepancy between what physicians believe regarding opioid abuse and misuse and reality is augmented by new research from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) showing that prescription drug abuse continues to be a growing problem.
Results of a new survey by the American Pain Foundation (APF) show that many physicians prescribing for pain have deep misperceptions of their own patients’ potential for misuse and abuse of opioid analgesics.
The APF’s Physician Perspective Toward Prescription Opioid Abuse and Misuse Survey shows that although 87% of physicians believe people who abuse opioids are doing so from a legitimate prescription, 56% of the opioid-prescribing physicians think that the number of their own patients abusing or misusing opioids is relatively low. Furthermore, 52% of those surveyed did not think that most opioid abuse results from tampering with the drugs’ delivery systems, despite data to the contrary.
“The key word is ‘their,’ as in ‘their patients,’ ” said Will Rowe, CEO of the APF. “There is a belief among physicians that a large number of people are abusing and using these drugs for nonmedical purposes, but I believe many think, “It [drug-seeking patients] doesn’t happen to me; it happens to other people. And if everyone believes that, we’ve got a serious problem.”
“Maybe it’s human nature not to believe the worst in people, and with your patients, with whom you have a relationship, you don’t want to think they are tampering,” added Dr. Rowe. “It’s difficult to discern who is a drug seeker. There are tools you can use, but they are never 100%.”
The APF survey results come on the heels of the release of SAMHSA’s 2009 National Survey on Drug Use & Health data showing 584,000 new nonmedical users of prescription pain relievers aged 12 years or older in that year. Furthermore, nonmedical use of prescription drugs among individuals aged 18 to 25 years rose from 5.5% to 6.3% during 2002-2009. That surge was largely driven by increased use of pain drugs, which jumped from 4.1% to 4.8% in that age group during the same period.
Education Is Key
The good news, according to Mr. Rowe, is that provider and patient education can dramatically change the misperceptions about the appropriate use of these medications. “The indication is that there needs to be significant training and awareness building with physicians, helping them educate their patients,” he said.
The APF survey results highlight common misunderstandings about opioids, which Mr. Rowe said need to be addressed in the health care provider’s office. “By initiating an open dialogue about responsible pain management before and throughout the course of treatment, both clinicians and their patients can become part of the solution to this public health issue,” he said.
According to Mr. Rowe, it is important to distinguish misuse from abuse. “Misuse is having the right intention of getting relief, but doubling dosage or cutting back or sharing it with a friend,” he said. “The use is for the purpose of treating pain, but not in the intended manner.”
He added that the average person generally is not aware of the serious risks that come with taking opioids, likening it to how many people perceive aspirin. “It’s like you take two and don’t feel any better, so you take another,” he said. “Also, common sense tells you that if you are feeling fine, you skip [a dose]; it defies some common sense reasoning to take medication when you feel OK. Thus, the need for patient education and for physicians to educate is significant.”
In contrast, abuse involves nonmedical reasons to get high or alter mood. Mr. Rowe said that although there is no research to prove it, there are good indications that tamper-resistant opioids—of which several are currently in development—may help curb abuse and ultimately help reduce the rates of abuse and misuse.
The fact that more than half of the physicians surveyed believed the rate of tampering was low flies in the face of research showing that 80% of opioid abuse involves altering the delivery system—chewing, snorting or using IV administration (J Pain Palliat Care Pharmacother 2006;20:5-13; Ther Clin Risk Manag 2005;1:77). Education must emphasize the need to be more responsible with storing opioids, said Mr. Rowe. Ironically, the APF survey results show that 41% of physicians do not practice what they preach regarding safe storage of prescription medications in their own homes.
“Seven out of 10 [of abused prescriptions] are taken from medicine cabinets,” said Mr. Rowe. “The fact is there needs to be a very strong recommendation from physicians to store medications safely and securely. I have heard stories of people going to [real estate] open houses in groups, splitting up with one distracting the realtor and then the other going through the medicine cabinet. That’s how serious it is.”
The Physician Perspective Toward Prescription Opioid Abuse and Misuse Survey was a national online poll conducted among 500 board-certified primary care physicians, neurologists and orthopedic surgeons who treat patients with conditions that require prescription opioids. The APF sought to determine the scope of prescriber awareness of opioid misuse and abuse in terms of prevalence, patient knowledge and attitude, and sources of misused opioids.
The survey was supported by King Pharmaceuticals.

Results from the SAMHSA survey on drug use and health can be found at
http://www.oas.samhsa.gov/nsduh.htm

the MISSION OF INVISIBLE PROJECT

I am planning on submitting photos to the project , IF ANY READERS care to be my models let me know..... I will give anyone who partakes copies for themselves too


MISSION OF INVISIBLE PROJECT

The goal of the INvisible Project is to create chronic pain awareness through photographs of chronic pain survivors. Through visual images, the INvisible Project will show the determination and strength of those living with pain. One hundred percent of the proceeds from the INvisible Project will help those living with pain. WHO: Recognizing that pain is a national healthcare crisis that must be addressed, CT Pain Foundation, a nonprofit organization founded in 2006 to promote healthy support groups and other positive enrichment programs for those living with pain, is planning its inaugural chronic pain awareness event entitled INvisible Project.

WHAT: INvisible Project showcases the day-to-day experiences of ten chronic pain survivors in a photo journalistic style. Following each person for one day, photographer Syd London captures and highlights the struggles, triumphs and resilient spirit of the ten pain survivors. In order to represent the pain community accurately, various chronic pain disorders such as Arthritis, Complex Regional Pain Syndrome, Diabetic Pain, Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome, Fibromyalgia, Juvenile Arthritis, Lupus, Multiple Sclerosis, and various other pain diseases will be featured.

read more about it on their website plus a lot more on pain Wishing you all PAIN FREE DAYS Jim Misener

Items that may help one suffering with spinal pain

Items that may help one suffering with spinal pain:
I am a firm believer in trying to find items to help my spinal pain.
I have used traction units , inversion tables , ice packs ( medical grade & food type) , TENS units etc.
I currently only use a TENS unit and my ice packs - both frequently.
I used an inversion table for 6 years and loved it , when we moved the one I had no longer could be used indoors and eventually I gave it away to one who would benefit from it.


Here are some links supplied by another chronic painer Pete C.
I can't speak for all items but some I have seen similar stuff and it works for some folks and others the stuff doesn't do a thing.
If you approach buying it as what one would pay for 1 doctors visit , you don't feel bad if they just get tossed into your closet for not working.
If they work - well we all know what a relief finding an aide that helps is worth.

Listed in no particular order
and I have no business interest in any company listed here.
If anyone has dealt with any of these PLEASE COMMENT

Jim M.

From Pete:
Sleeping pillow for cervical problems and your a side sleeper
"Saw this on TV only once.. this is what I am looking for... hope it is a good as they say.." - Pete C.
https://www.sidesleeperpro.com/

MORE PILLOWS
Arc 4 Life
this company sells pillows etc for people suffering from cervical problems and according to the "testimonials" their stuff is great.
If anyone who reads this PLEASE COMMENT on the quality and if they help.
http://www.arc4life.com/site/615058/page/812813

Welcome to the Buffalo Chronic Pain Group blog

Welcome , one and all ! ! !

For now this will mostly be a place to pass along messages that involve the Buffalo Chronic Pain Support Group and its members.
It will contain news such as : meeting dates , medical news , member news and happenings that may interest those associated with our group.
I hope this finds all in as low of pain as they possibly cam be.

the Buffalo Chronic Pain Support Group meets twice a month at the Audubon Library in Amherst NY.
The meetings are the 2nd and 4th Wednesday of each month from 6:30 pm until 8:30 pm , in the Literacy Room ( right corner of main room )

February meetings are as follows
February 10th - 6:30 pm until 8:30 pm
and
February 24th - 6:30 pm until 8:30 pm

March Meetings are as follows
March 9th - 6:30 pm until 8:30 pm
and
March 23th - 6:30 pm until 8:30 pm

Group meetings are facilitated by myself ( Jim Misener ) , Debbie Wesp and Kathy Campbell.
Anything and everything can be discussed as we are all adults and pain touches so many aspects of our lives.
The group is open to all in pain ( no matter the cause ) and their caregivers.
We respect all beliefs and opinions , we won't judge anyone and hope no one judges us.
Remember , what is said in the group , stays within the group.
No "outsiders" will be told what any member says during a meeting and all members agree to adhere to this principle.

So if your in pain , come search us out.
It feels good to be able to speak with those who actually understand the pain that you deal with 24/7.
Too many of us are lacking in support at home and we have found that sharing our lives even just a couple hours a month can make a HUGE difference in ones outlook and treatments.