A recent study reported hydrocodone was the most prescribed drug in America in 2011, and prescription drug abuse has become an epidemic in many states, according to the Hamburg Reporter. Aly Hassan, MD, assistant professor of psychiatry in the University of Nebraska Medical Center attributes the rise in addiction to a culture of treating pain differently than a decade ago.
In the 1990s, several medical reports said narcotics helped pain with little risk of developing addiction. The problem has now developed beyond the level of an individual practitioner to a national problem, Dr. Hassan said.
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In the 1990s, several medical reports said narcotics helped pain with little risk of developing addiction. The problem has now developed beyond the level of an individual practitioner to a national problem, Dr. Hassan said.
More Articles on Pain Management:
Pain Management Dr. Eugene Gosy Developed Stringent Protocol for Opioid Monitoring
UC San Diego Center for Pain Medicine Receives $2M Donation
Should CRNAs Treat Chronic Pain? Q&A With ASIPP Chairman Dr. Laxmaiah Manchikanti