The “Accidental Addict” myth
One of the great things about this blog is when readers leave comments that help me learn more about what I write about and that visitors to Help My Hurt can read as well. Here’s another example.
On July 10, I wrote a piece called Narcotic and opioid myths - it’s time to smarten up, in which I dispelled some myths that are attached to that particular class of drugs. One reader took me to task, feeling that I must be funded by a pharmaceutical company to make these claims. While I probably could have answered her better, I was very amused at that accusation because those who know me know that I can rip into a pharma just as quickly as I can praise one when it’s warranted.
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Tags: accidental addict, chronic pain blog, narcotics, opioids, oxycontin epidemic, pain blogRelated Stories
POSTED IN: Medications
4 opinions for The “Accidental Addict” myth
Mark
Jul 17, 2008 at 1:35 pm
Hey Marijke - Good to see you doing what you’re doing :)
I’m certain that many will wish to deny personal experience - you’ve certainly seen it already - but I’ll do what it takes to make it clear anyway in the hope that someone will see it for what it is.
Every time I see a billboard advertising a rehab that says anything like “Alcohol/Drugs did this to me” I think to myself, because I damn well know, that alcohol and/or drugs don’t “do” anything to you! I did it to me! If you abuse alcohol/drugs - you do it to you! Especially in these times when there are so many opportunities for change. Yeah, we’re powerless - over alcohol/drugs - and so what! What you’re not powerless over is the decision to get real and seek help! And help is everywhere.
If you allow yourself to overdose, it’s on you, not on a drug! It’s time to stop blaming everything other than yourself…
Thanks for trying :)
MaxJerz
Jul 22, 2008 at 11:16 pm
Excellent post, Marijke. Thanks for posting the link to that Slade article, as well.
It’s unfortunate that the chronic pain community has to continually fight against the perception of the “accidental addict”. (More than unfortunate, really.)
I would love to see the day when chronic pain patients (and their doctors) don’t have to fear being prosecuted because of prescriptions for the painkillers.
Be well,
MJ
Marijke Durning, RN
Jul 23, 2008 at 5:30 am
@Mark - thanks for writing. Unfortunately, addictions are so strong and hard to fight - know I have a hard enough time just breaking a bad habit; I don’t know how I would be able to or if I’d be strong enough to break an addiction.
The issue of addiction needs to be addressed but not at the expense of people who need pain medications for chronic pain.
Marijke Durning, RN
Jul 23, 2008 at 5:34 am
Thanks MJ - I think that here in Canada, we’re luckier in that I rarely hear stories of people not being able to get the meds that they need, controlled or not.
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