Among scientists who study addiction, there is a lot of debate about the merits of total abstinence from substances of abuse. The credo of self-help groups such as Narcotics Anonymous states that a person in recovery can never again take opiates without risking relapse, even if prescription opioid painkillers are prescribed by a doctor. Other […]
Opiates have become an increasingly common treatment for back pain as well as for other chronic pain conditions. However, the potentially harmful effects of these drugs, primarily the risks of addiction and overdose, make them a risky treatment option for many patients. Even the American Academy of Neurology (AAN) has publicly stated that opiates do […]
Opiates and benzodiazepines are among the most frequently prescribed, and among the most commonly abused drugs, in the world. Both drugs have tremendous therapeutic value to reduce pain and anxiety in patients with acute or chronic illnesses. Independently, each of these drugs also has a high potential for misuse, abuse and overdose when used […]