Encore Episode: Dr. Drew Talks Addiction

Pain is a huge problem in today's world.

It's how you deal with pain that becomes an even greater issue.

Oral opiate addiction has steadily been on the rise in the last few decades. A whopping 90 percent of oral opiates are consumed in America. 

Why has opiate addiction taken such a devastating turn?

According to Dr. Drew Pinsky, a movement began with the premise that pain was being under-treated. Pain became the "fifth vital sign." This movement gained a legal and political presence, and now, there is a giant philosophy that pain is what the patient says it is. There is no objective proof of pain. 

And, no good evidence exists that opiates are effective for chronic pain; they were designed for acute pain. 

Doctors have a massive responsibility when dealing with chronic pain patients. They must look at history of addiction or family history of addiction. Paying attention to potential abuse risks could mean the difference between life and death.

Remember, addiction is a brain disorder. Just because you can't see it or cut it out doesn't make it any less powerful than something like cancer. It can also have a genetic link. 

If you're suffering with pain, there are alternative pain management methods, such as acupuncture, massage, chiropractic, etc.