Annie Ilene of Chicago, IL Thank you for your article regarding the uncommon deaths and addictions due to overdosing on prescribed pain medications. Finally the press is starting to see the real truth about this medical disgrace. 8 years ago, when I was prescribed OxyContin and almost lost my life, I searched the internet as well as sought out help from the medical community, for answers to what had happened to me. Nothing. Absolutely, nothing. If I went to see a doctor, he/she hardly knew of the drug OxyContin and could not help me. Those that did know of the drug, simply put me on another narcotic. News articles were plenty with the “hillbilly heroin” theme. These articles, however contstantly contained the manufacturer (Purdue), and the pain organizations mantra, that “pain was undertreated” and studies showed that less than 1% of pain patients became addicted. Both statements now known to be untrue and unfounded “junk science”. The slick PR response, turned out to make billions for the pharmaceuticals, and the emerging pain management industry. It also sadly, created gross numbers of unwanted, unsuspected death and addiction of legitimate pain patients. It’s a horrible American tragedy. It took me 8 years to get off these narcotics and to understand how I was manipulated for greed. Unfortunately, I’m among the very, very few, who did not succumb to illegal behaviors and death. Addictions and death that should/could have been avoided through responsible medical education for those doing the prescribing. Patients have no idea how loosley this phenomena of overprescribing narcotics has occurred. They just “trust” their doctor, FDA, and pharmaceutical companies. Very Sad

To those of you who "worry" about "undertreated pain"; it never, nor does it now exist. Narcotics is just another easy "fix".report abuse

Mandy ****** of Rumford, ME It starts with the prescribing physician. All offices should have a narcotic policy that is clearly explained to the patient upon initiating any narcotic intervention. Clearly defined rules regarding how long a patient may recieve a controlled substance before being considered a chronic pain patient should be in place. A narcotic agreement and initial urine drug screen should be done. If the patient violates that agreement by seeing another practitioner, going to to the ER for narcotics, bouncing around pharmacies, and/or using illegal substances or meds not prescribed for them they should be considered in violation and all narcotics will be stopped. There should be routine and random pill counts and urine drug screens for chronic patients. Ultimately, patients who are requiring chronic narcotics for pain management should be seeing a doctor who specializes in such. People call after hours with sob stories of losing meds, hoping to get someone unfamiliar that happens to be on call etc should be told to call during normal business hours for refills. They should also be seen regularly. Most doctors are sympathetic to people in pain and the abusers of these drugs prey on that as a weakness. Policies should be in place to protect the practitioners from this type of patient. The abusers make it harder for people in need to get the meds they require to heal. Just because an insurance company pays for the medication does not make them responsible for a persons addiction anymore than an auto dealership responsible if you get into a car accident.report abuse

Tony of Wilton, ME I have not read the bills to which Senator Mills alludes, however I do know that pain management, especially in the last stages of life is frequently inadequate. doctors fear losing the right to presribe pain medications, especially the most effective and most addictive - the CII's like Percocet or Tylox.

I really hope this isn't just another conservative effort to cut costs. if it is, there are still a few very warm spots in Hades not yet reserved for those who promote parsimony at the expense of the poor.report abuse

Personal Rights of Windsor, ME I agree with most of Peter's statements in this column and believe its important to bring this issue to the surface. I do, however, dispute one statement: "
Most opioids are paid for by MaineCare (Maine's version of Medicaid) or Medicare Part D (for the disabled and elderly). Thus, public money is being spent..." and here's why. Many private insurance companies, as well as individuals who pay for treatments themselves, are paying for opiate prescriptions, and they are paying, when necessary, for addiction treatment. The amount of these individual and insurance payments is not obvious, there are confidentiality rules in place to keep their spending out of the public eye. Therefore, I believe the statement can be adjusted to read:
Many opioids are paid for by MaineCare (Maine's version of Medicaid) or Medicare Part D (for the disabled and elderly). Thus, public money is being spent... I also believe public information campaigns by our Federal drug controllers, (FDA, drug enforcement personnel, etc.) would help make people aware of these issues. Lock your medicine cabinets, monitor your intake of these drugs, protect yourself from addiction!report abuse