As discussed in previous articles, the JCAHO passed new standards effective in January 2001, making Pain the fifth vital sign, meaning doctors, nurses and other health institutions must address the necessity for effective pain control. Along with this new awareness has come an increase in the production, distribution and legitimate intake of prescription painkillers. Prescription painkillers are nothing new, many having been on the market for years. Doctors and Pain Clinics have been stepping up the use of prescription drugs to combat Chronic Pain steadily over the last decade. Whether its an accident victim, cancer patient or someone suffering from arthritis, prescription painkillers, or Opioids, have helped to transform many of these patients lives. At the same time that awareness of proper Pain Management has been on the rise and the prescribing of painkillers more common, there has been the downside of addiction in non-Chronic Pain suffering persons. The abuser of these drugs has been shown not to be the inner city youth, but instead a famous actor, a suburban real estate agent, or your next door neighbor. First time abuse of these drugs has been surging, most commonly with the oxycodone and hydrocodone type painkillers. The two differ slightly in their chemical makeup but have a similar effect on the body. See below for some recent statistics.
		* ER visits involving Vicodin and Lortab (hydrocodone) went from 6,100 incidents in 1992 to more than 14,000 in 1999
		* The Pharmaceutical market rose from $145 billion between 1996 and 2000.
		* The prescription Pain Medication market tripled to $1.8 billion over the same period.
		* ER visits involving OxyContin and Percodan went from 3,750 in 1992 to 6,430 in 1999
		* In Addition; Xanax & Generics, rose from 16,500 to 20,500
		* Pain Relievers..Drugs that create a general sense of well being (if not ingested for Chronic Pain); Darvon, Demerol, Dilaudid, OxyContin, Vicodin, Percodan.
		* Heroin and Morphine, 48,000 in 1992 to 84,400 in 1999
		* Cocaine 120,000 in 1992 to 169,000 in 1999
		* Tranquilizer..Drugs that reduce stress and anxiety while acting as a muscle relaxant; Ativan, Halcion, Valium, Librium, Rohypnol, Xanax.
		* Stimulants..Drugs that increase alertness, energy and attention span. These include ingredients used to treat sleep disorder, hyperactivity and obesity; Adderall, Dexedrine, Preludin, Ritalin.
		Recently, especially in the atmosphere of increased Pain awareness, pharmaceuticals have been experimenting with new formulations of painkillers, and today, painkillers are more widely distributed than ever before (see above statistics). According to the DEA, the increase in production of painkillers can be linked to the misuse or abuse factor. Although there is no precise statistic on how many persons misused or abused prescription painkillers, it is estimated that in 1999 4 million Americans over the age of 12 used prescription pain relievers, stimulants or sedatives for "non-medical" reasons. OxyContin, which was introduced by Perdue® in 1996, is considered by far the most powerful prescription painkiller. It has a 12-hour time release incarnation of the molecular compound 'oxycodone'. The same active ingredient is found in Percocet and Percodan, two older painkillers. Unlike drugs in the 'hydrocodone' category, OxyContin and the others are unique in they don't contain acetaminophen, which has been proven to be toxic to the liver if taken in continual doses. The advanced features of OxyContin allow patients to take fewer amounts of pills and offers relief three times longer than the earlier versions. The key feature of this drug for addicts is that when crushed and snorted, OxyContin loses its time release feature and provides an immediate narcotic rush to the brain.
		The pharmaceutical companies have been diligent in their attempt to warn the pharmacies, prescribers and public to the harm involved in these medications if not used for there proper means. Purdue Pharma® (OxyContin), Abbott Labs (Vicodin) and other pharmaceuticals have been involved with the DEA, FDA and other federal bureaus to assist in combating the illegal distribution of their respective medications. In addition, they raise public awareness through their websites and by sponsoring symposiums for prescribers and pharmaceuticals, as well sponsoring events for the public. Finally, let us conclude that in the effort to control the illegal distribution of these medications; local, state, federal law enforcement and politicians should not create the cycle of paranoia by which doctors will not prescribe the adequate dosage for patients who rely on these medications to lesson their Chronic Pain and allow them to function somewhat normally in day to day life.
		©1999-2006 Painlab.com