A recent advisory recommends opioid-free, non-addictive alternatives, like acupuncture, as a first step in relieving pain.
Need Surgery? How to Cut Your Risk of Opioid Addiction
Whether surgeons are delivering a baby or removing gallstones, anesthesiologists are finding new ways to reduce the risk of opioid dependence after elective surgery. Here’s how.
Do You Know the 6 Red Flags of Opioid Addiction?
Not sure if you’ve become dependent on the opioids your doctor has prescribed? Follow these tips from a pain management expert and discover how to lower your risk.
If I’m Prescribed Opioids, How Soon Can I Stop Them?
If you need opioids to help you recover from surgery or severe trauma, how soon can you stop them to avoid becoming dependent on them? Pain management expert Richard W. Rosenquist, MD, provides The Short Answer.
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Low Back Pain Killing You? Try 8 Remedies (Before Taking Pills)
Doctors are getting away from treating chronic pain with opioids. Our spine experts weigh in on new guidelines for low back pain that favor non-drug options, like physical therapy, acupuncture and yoga, over pills.
Why More and More Babies Are Born Addicted to Prescription Drugs
Some babies are born addicted to heroin or other street drugs. But about one-third are born to middle-class women who have become addicted to prescription medications for chronic back pain, depression and other issues. Learn about neonatal abstinence syndrome (NAS) and how it’s managed.
Who Is the Surprising New Face of Heroin Addiction?
A recent study highlighting a dramatic shift in demographics in heroin addiction, shows that most users begin with prescription painkillers, then turn to heroin for a cheaper, more accessible high.
Anyone Can Get Addicted to Opioids: How to Lower Your Risk
You may think opioid addiction could never happen to you. But given the right circumstances, it can happen to almost everyone. Learn how certain factors increase your risk and how to ask your doctor for alternative medications.
Drug, Alcohol Abuse Not a Character Flaw: Surgeon General’s Report (Video)
Abusing drugs or alcohol is an important health problem that needs an integrated, multi-focused medical approach and should not be treated as a moral failing or character flaw, says a new report released Thursday by the U.S. surgeon general’s office.
Opioids and Your Medications Can Be a Bad Mix
Opioids are potent painkillers. But they can interact badly with medications you may be using for anxiety, sleeplessness or muscle pain. Learn about safer alternatives.