- Because of the Government – It has been mandated by the US government that primary care physicians should not prescribe chronic pain medicine (Norco, Percocet, Tylenol 3, Tylenol 4, Tramadol) and anxiety medicine altogether. Physicians are being told to keep a close eye on what they prescribe and the quantity, but because of fear of legal implications and specific guidelines regarding the matter, they tend to go for a more conservative route with regards to prescribing pain meds. Some opt to refer the patients to pain management for a more accurate evaluation afraid of over-prescribing medication and risking their job and medical license.
- Because It Can Be a Source of Addiction – As a result of the US being number one in Pain Management Medicine, Opiate Addiction becomes a problem. With that being said, these medications are at an arm’s length to everyone. People are building tolerance as their bodies become familiar with the medicine and it becomes ineffective. Addiction is very different from building a tolerance. Tolerance is the need for more to achieve a certain pain management, but Addiction is needing more just because it feels good. And the meds being easily available almost everywhere, somehow promotes this idea.
- Because the US is the Leading Prescriber – As what was previously stated, there is an opiate problem in America because the United States of America has been the leading prescriber of opiates for several years now. This is a worrying trend as it has led to an increase in opioid addiction and overdose deaths.
These are all efforts in trying to prevent the misuse and abuse of pain medications. The government has taken steps to address this issue by implementing stricter regulations on the prescription of opioids. However, more needs to be done to ensure that patients are not overprescribed these drugs and that those who are addicted receive the necessary treatment.
It is also important for individuals to take responsibility for their own health and be aware of the risks associated with opioids. They should only take these drugs under the guidance of a medical professional and should never share their medication with others.
Dr. Kre Johnson is a Board Certified Family Medicine Physician and the sole owner of Brownstone Healthcare and Aesthetics. She is the Medical Director of the City of Birmingham’s Employee Health Clinic-Brownstone BWell Birmingham. She is the Event Producer of Wifeology and the founder of Three Twenty Girls, Inc. She loves God, traveling, and all things Southern!!
Brownstone BWell: Brownstone Healthcare has partnered with the City of Birmingham to offer primary care services to the employees of the City of Birmingham for $0 copayment. This partnership is for preventative services & screenings and sick visits. We partner with your current primary care physician and our goal is to keep you out of the ER and urgent care. We do not share your information with the City of Birmingham. We uphold HIPPA and professional standards. You can visit us at our downtown location 1700 5th Ave N Birmingham, AL 35203 or Trussville: 4643 Camp Coleman Road #117 Trussville, AL 35173 205-202-5650 call for your appointment today.
Other References: The Doctor Refuses to Prescribe My Pain Medication
