Deadly Opioids

Tuesday, December 10, 2013

Wednesday, December 4, 2013

I am writing this letter to inform people the seriousness of getting on opioids. Opioids are controlled medicines that help with pain and also for patients who suffer from medical conditions. These controlled substances are not to play with. They can cause serious problems such as overdosing and can lead to death. It is important to take precautions while being on these medications. Patients who suffer from chronic pain should be aware about the possibilities of addiction. It is also important to know what addiction, tolerance and dependence are and how they are different. If addiction already plays role in your life, understand that there are solutions and that these drugs are not it. Accept that you are an addict and allow yourself to get help.

To friends and families, you are society and you play a huge role in this. It is important for me to tell you that if you are a friend of an addict do not give up on them. Addicts tend to disengage from people because they lose trust in them and gain trust in drugs. They might lose interest in the world, but that’s only because these drugs are gaining power over them. It tricks them into believing that it is their only friend. Make sure you are always being supportive and sensitive towards them. Family members and friends fear addicts because of their flash outs, but in reality these addicts really need your comfort and love.

The information below is a variety of information about addiction. It's for people to understand and know the differences between the three characteristics which I mentioned earlier that are dependence, tolerance and addiction. A guide that shows the stages of addiction, their personality and attitude. Their reasons, feelings, and how they look for help afterwards.

There are other ways to cope with pain, but probably are not as effective as pain medications for some people. I hope I can help you understand the basics and functions of how it all works. I’m also hoping people choose the right path and understand that controlled medicines are not an outlet to cope with life in other ways aside from their pain.

Book Review: Green Level

The Book Review: Green Level

My book review is on “The Addictive Personality: Understanding the Addictive Process and Compulsive Behavior.” This book is based on the causes, stages, process and the behaviors of addicts. Addiction is a state in which a certain substance or objects predicts a certain mood change in a person. They fall into an emotional logic which leads for that substance to gain power for the fact that it controls their physical and emotional state. These objects are an outlet for some people to feel better about themselves or enter a pleasurable state, even if it’s for a certain amount of time. What can cause addiction is dealing with low points in life. It can be due to traumatically events for example a loss of a family member or financial issues and other reasons. The book also argues that children coming from families with a background of addiction have a higher percentage of becoming addicts. These people lose trust in others and gain trust only in the substance because they believe that it cannot betray them. They tend to find excuses that give them permission to do what they want to do. That then becomes a problem because family members and friends no longer feel safe being around them causing them to leave or distance themselves. However, that does not help the addict. The addict then starts feeling more alone and turn to the object to fill in the empty feelings. It’s a cycle that the addict goes through. It seems as if the addict lives two lives, but once it takes over, the addict loses self. This is giving the object a higher power.

The author also mentions how society plays a huge role in the reason why people become addicts. Being disconnected from the world and their “self” being leads an addict feeling despair, rejection and shame. They become accustomed to the good feeling of what the substance produces. However, when they start to feel that the object is no longer giving them pleasure, but pain they start to look for ways to better. The first step known to help is by realizing they have an addiction and go on from there. There are steps to rehabilitation and getting there is not easy, but also not impossible.

The author Craig Nakken is a family therapist who specializes in treating people with addiction problems. He has more than twenty years working with addicts. Therefore his analyses on addicts are through the experiences he has with those patients. There were a few fallacies in this book. One that was repeatedly used was the fallacy of “self pity.” There is an example used in the book that when a gambler comes home from work and he or she had a very hard day so they gamble because they deserve it after that uneasy time at work. “People who suffer from addictions must turn to addictive system to explain away their actions; otherwise they would find these actions hard to accept.” [1] Another fallacy was the “Use the Hard-Cruel-World Argument,” is also used when they blame life and other things for their addiction. They say life is unfair and depressing therefore, it’s a good excuse to do these things. I realized as I read this book that addicts find ways to accommodate their actions. Drugs have addicts into believing that it is the only solution to their life creating a false dilemma because drugs are actually what destroy a person.

Opioid users and people who wills start on opioids should read this book to become aware of the stages of addiction. That way if they see themselves falling into addiction by having knowledge from this book they can stop on time. Opioid users are not the only ones who should get their hands on this book, but also people who are already addicts and need some help understanding what they are getting themselves into. Families who deal with drug users can achieve some knowledge on the stages of addiction by reading “The addictive Personality.” Overall anyone who is interested on working with patients who are addicts, including doctors, students, teachers and the addicts themselves.

Before I had read this book I was very bias about people who become addicts. I used to think it was all in their heads and only the weak minded that fell into this problem. I also did not fully understand how it worked. However, by reading this book it helped me understand the process, the stages, how it developed, the issues one faced during that period and how hard it is to accept your problem and recover from it. Working at a clinic where I deal with patients who are on opioids can be extremely difficult as well as dangerous. I once had a patient who got close to my face and said “if you do not tell the doctor to prescribe me my medication I will get sick and you’ll have to call an ambulance because it would be your fault.”[2] That incident made me realize how strongly one relied so much on their medication. I had no knowledge on why they became aggressive. It’s educated me in the sense that I know how to point out an addict and also how to react towards them in order to avoid an incident like the first. Although I am not a doctor, therapist or a specialist in this field, the book taught me how to comply, understand, and be patient and how to show support to an addict. It definitely has made me less judgmental than before. I understand this is a serious issue and that people really do fall into this problem.

Quotes from the book:

“Bring me your pain, I’ll give you the illusion of relief.”[3]

“I will come to own you.”[4]

“Spend time with me, I’ll teach you to be mistrustful of others.”[5]

“You can hide temporary, but the issues won’t go away. “[6]

[1] Nakken, Craig. The Addictive Personality: Understanding the Addictive Process and Compulsive Behavior. Center City, MN: Hazelden, 1996. Print.

[2] Nakken, Craig. The Addictive Personality: Understanding the Addictive Process and Compulsive Behavior. Center City, MN: Hazelden, 1996. Print.

[3] Nakken, Craig. The Addictive Personality: Understanding the Addictive Process and Compulsive Behavior. Center City, MN: Hazelden, 1996. Print.

[4] Nakken, Craig. The Addictive Personality: Understanding the Addictive Process and Compulsive Behavior. Center City, MN: Hazelden, 1996. Print.

[5] Nakken, Craig. The Addictive Personality: Understanding the Addictive Process and Compulsive Behavior. Center City, MN: Hazelden, 1996. Print.
[6] Nakken, Craig. The Addictive Personality: Understanding the Addictive Process and Compulsive Behavior. Center City, MN: Hazelden, 1996. Print.

Political Cartoon

The picture above is a picture of a man being victimized by drugs. His face looks like it’s in pain and he has no choice, but to take that medication. Pain medication is being forced upon him because of the pain he is going through without being aware that he can eventually become dependent on it. I choose this picture because I believe people become slaves to medications. They rely so much on it. Unfortunately, many of these people go for the feeling the drug produces when they are no longer in pain.

The bottom picture is on two women who are addicts and the consequences narcotics produce physically.

Personal Statement

I don’t need you

It was a warm sunny day in mid June. I was sitting down at the doctor’s office. While tapping my feet, all I could hear was the sound of my heart as it pounded faster and faster as the minutes went by. Suddenly the door opens and the doctor yells out “congratulations!” I was about six to seven weeks pregnant. Very deep down inside me I felt a bit of happiness. My boyfriend was waiting for me in the car and now it was time for me to tell him. He wasn’t happy. In fact the first few words that came out of his mouth were, “you’re going to have an abortion right?” Those were the most crucial words anyone had dare say to me. The little bit of happiness I held inside was destroyed. My world grew dark as I knew he wasn’t in this with me, but then came the hardest part of all; telling my parents.

I remember my mother falling to the ground as I was telling her I was pregnant. My father and brother crying as they held my mother up. I remember feeling alone, embarrassed and ashamed. It was unfair how everyone around me made me feel. I was depressed throughout my pregnancy and thereafter. One of the hardest things I had to do in life was telling them I was pregnant. I had many people tell me things such as “you ruined your life,” and in my head I would think “says who?” People constantly said negative comments and it affected the way I thought about myself.

However, I am one of those people who believe in “everything happens for a reason.” I think my son has been a huge motivation to continue my journey with school. While I have some people on one side telling me I can’t do it, I have my own opinion telling me that I can. Who better to listen to than yourself? I won’t give people the satisfaction of seeing me throw my life away. Others thought having a child at a young age was an obstacle to an education, but in fact it’s a greater reason for me to enroll in school. I do not care about proving everyone wrong, I just care about proving myself right.

At some point in our lives we are all questioned with “what do you want to be when you grow up?” I changed my mind quite some times. We discover and learn new things that interest us as were growing along. I always had an interest for working in the healthcare field, but never as much as when I had my first child. My son was the main reason for my interest. During my pregnancy I was more focused on what was happening to me. I’d question any procedure or vaccine given to me. There were many things I was learning throughout the time and that was when the human body began to fascinate me. I was more alert on the way my child developed while being in the womb. Therefore, it led me on to vocational school to become a certified medical assistant. My first job as a medical assistant was working at a pediatrician’s office. Working with children felt like an adventure. I would see them grow and I’d become friends with them. They would inspire me as I saw them fight for their lives. These sick children would help me appreciate the important aspects of life. I found it astounding learning how the human body functions and have a better understanding on diseases, cures and treatments.

I am currently working for another clinic which is more diverse. I deal with women and men of all ages, pregnancies and patients with mental disorders. It’s impressive how many people I’ve befriended of multiple religions and ethnicities. Although I might not make a huge impact on a person’s life, it’s a good feeling to know there’s always a way to help.

When life hits you with unexpected situations it is up to us to know how to manage those obstacles, but it should never be a reason to stop. Most of the things that happen to us are a result of our own reactions. My son was not an obstacle, but a desire to move forward. My parents might have been an obstacle, but I showed them the difference between their parenting and my own. My son’s father was an obstacle, but I showed him how women could be both mother and father.

Reflection on Personal Statement

I don’t recall writing a personal statement before. Perhaps I have, but it has been quite some time. It could also be that I’ve never written one as personal as this. This has to be one of the toughest papers I have written in a long time. It has also been a huge challenge for me because I’ve finally let someone know how I’ve felt all along and share what I have gone through these past few years.

I’ve never opened up as much before. Never have I had the will or strength to give someone an insight of my personal life. Even my own parents and son’s father have no clue what I really feel or think. I have held many things inside me and by having to write a paper about it in my English class has not really given me a choice, but rather made me overcome my fear. In my paper I shared my deepest emotions, feelings and thoughts with complete strangers. Something I could not even do with my own family. Although they say that sometimes it’s easier to talk to a stranger about your problems only because they are not so quick to judge.

One of my struggles by writing my personal statement was finding the right words and phrases; also explaining in detail my story. I had to find a way to sort things out without sounding all over the place with my paper. As I was typing, all these memories were coming into mind. If I had jot down everything that happened to me over these past few years I probably wouldn’t have an ending.

Another struggle was the fact that I haven’t been in school for two years. It was a time to refresh what I have learned, to know the structure of an essay and to correct my own grammatical errors. I was too afraid of not making it sound perfect enough, but I knew that simplicity out stood more at times.

The purpose of this paper was clearly to show myself how far I’ve come along with my life, my child, my education and my persona. Making drastic decisions in my life might not have been such a bad idea. Sometimes we have to act quickly, take certain measures and not be so indecisive with our decisions. As I stated in my paper, I dropped out of college to attend vocational school for medical assisting in order to have my foot inside the health field. I’ve had two jobs as a medical assistant with two years of experience on my back, and working my way up.

As I was writing my paper I realized I have come a long way and I am proud of myself for where I’m at now. I’m still in process with my career; probably nowhere close to where I’d like to be, but definitely one step ahead just by going to school. However, it was an excellent idea to get me out of my comfort zone and to open up. This personal statement went from giving me an idea of how to improve my own writing skills to understanding that everyone else faces obstacles in life and I’m not the only single mother out there facing it alone. A quote simply as “the impossible is always possible,” is an inspiration to those who need it like me.

Articles

Opiates

Working in a clinic has knowledge me with patients who are on opioids. I can sense a few things with the way patients react. I have notice more children being prescribed with control substances. The misusage of narcotic drugs can subject to danger and even to death. Currently the clinic I work for is being sued over a patient overdosing. Proper knowledge on these types of medications is very important. Patients as well as others should have a better knowledge on the risk factors, effects and clarify who should and should not be on opiates.

Opioids are pain medication prescribed by a doctor for patients who suffer from chronic disease. The article “Opioids for Chronic Pain: First Do No Harm,” mentions how the use of opioids have increased rapidly throughout the years. It also states how it’s difficult to determine the level of pain a patient is experiencing. The misuses of opioids from patients who have suffered from drug abuse are those who deal with depression.[1] The article describes how some patients don’t comply with telling the truth of overusing the drug. Not following directions the doctors give them can be used as a sign for abusing drugs. The number of patients overdosing has also increased.[2] It also explains alternatives for treating chronic pain and how a provider needs to distinguish the proper procedure for each patient.

The audience is to those who want to have a better comprehension on what opioids are. However, what is missing is more information on who actually needs opioids. It is very broad; it needs to be more specific on the types of chronic diseases that normally require these particular medications. Another statement made was the idea of different methods invented to treat chronic disease, notwithstanding how they make the decisions for patients.

Another thing I notice from the article “Opioids for Chronic Pain,” was that it talked about many different subjects and was all over the place with their ideas. It went from explaining what an opioid is, to who is misusing it more often, to who uses opioids, how to manage a plan for users, and how it’s not appropriate for everyone. However, the intention should have been to focus more on one thought, explain it correctly, state out more facts about it instead of leaving so much information out on each subject.

The question that the author poses is how they need to come up with a way to determine the correct needs and usage for patients. The problem with this article is that they posed the question, but not the solution. His conclusion was to use other ways to cope with pain, but not being considerate of what patients want.

In the article “Addiction, Dependence, and Tolerance,” the differences between physical dependence, tolerance and addiction are defined. Many people confuse these three categories although; they all seem to have a connection. In other words tolerance is when your body adjusts to the amount of medication consumed. Once it reaches that level your tolerance then builds. Therefore, an increase on dosage is necessary. What opiate users suffer from other than addiction is withdrawals. Withdrawals occur when a patient suddenly stops taking the drug and then experiences horrible symptoms. Physical dependence is when the body is requiring the affection of the drug. It also explains how it is a “Physiological state,” rather than a drug behavior.[3]

Addiction to an opioid can be a serious condition. It occurs when the misuse of drug is being taken upon. There is a constant need of wanting it when the patient is no longer feeling pain and reaches a state where you can’t process or function correctly.

The second article seemed to have more of an affect to me. The reason for this being is because it explains in well simple details the definitions of opioid’s and its classifications. For example, it explained what addiction, physical dependence and tolerance are. It refers to the people who are or will start using opioids by giving them a clear statement on the differences. That way they have a better understanding on the affects of narcotic use. It clarifies to patients about the myths they hear and how they are not always true. What the author does is not only explain the differences, but similarities and how they are easily confused and compared.

An article should be based on facts and examples. I felt like the second article was much more easy to understand and comprehensive. The first article felt more of an opinion and inconsiderate to patients. Overall they both taught me the basic principles on the use of narcotic drugs, their purpose and their affects. During my research I learned that there is such thing as becoming dependent towards a drug and not necessarily addicted. I also learned that there are other techniques to help patients with the relief of pain, but it varies on the individuals.

[1] Grattan A, Sullivan MD, Saunders KW, Campbell CI, Von Korff MR. Depression and prescription opioid misuse among chronic opioid therapy recipients

no history of substance abuse. Ann Fam Med. 2012;10 (4):304-311.

[2] "Opioids for Chronic Pain: First Do No Harm." Weblog post. The Annals of Family Medicine. N.p., n.d. Web. 25 Sept. 2013.

[3] "Addiction, Dependence, and Tolerance." Weblog post. DARA Drug Alcohol Rehab Asia. N.p., n.d. Web. 25 Sept. 2013.

Article 3

“Opiates Statistics and Facts,” mentions about the numbers of opiate users and the rise of addiction. It argues that anyone can get a hold of opiates because it’s everywhere. You can get them from parents, relatives, friends, strangers and doctors. It also states that addiction can fall under any category of a person whether they are young, old and any ethnicity. The crimes committed by criminals are those who are under the influence of some sort of narcotic drug. “In 2006, 2.4 million Americans used opiates.”[1] That number is increasing as time goes by. Many people who have been abused in any type of way or have gone through a traumatic point in their lives are highly known for using opiates. Not only does it cost money to pay for drugs, but other people are affected financially too. If addicts do not work because they are too busy doing other things likes focusing on their drugs, committing crimes or getting help, it’s bound to cost someone. The ones paying for that are usually their medical insurances. It cost society money for these addict’s actions too. Finally it talks about the rising of opioids. How more and more people are becoming addicts and the numbers of deaths from narcotics. Although it seems far from reach, it is not impossible to lower the statistics according to them. There are ways like educating and rehabilitations to help.

I think the article went over the basic factors and statistics of opiates, but it should have been more updated instead of using statistics from 2009 although, this article was written in 2013. I also think the article should have mentioned more reasons to why people become addicts and how opiates have power over them. People who suffer from medical conditions and how it sometimes leads them to become addicts without being consciously aware would have been some information to add. After all those are factors of opiates.

If people are having an easier time getting a hold on drugs on their hands, why don’t we as a society look for more ways to prevent it? Until the numbers of addicts and deaths become higher that is when people start to pay more attention. We shouldn’t wait until one dies in order to take action. That will be too late, the person would be gone. Also, parents should be more cautious with their children. Children don’t know any better and it’s up to parents to educate them. Parents have a lot of influence to towards their children. It’s always a good thing to be supportive instead of bringing more negative thoughts and feelings drugs abusers. It is possible and there are many ways like a 12 step program that helps people overcome their addictions.

[1] Headrick, Dan, MD. "Opiate Statistics and Facts." Web log post. Opiates Statistics and Facts. N.p., 2013. Web. 05 Dec. 2013.

Interview

Interview with Kate

Kate is a trilingual Certified Medical Assistant who works at a clinic in Berkeley for over 6 years. I will not mention which clinic in Berkeley she works in for privacy reasons. Kate also deals with getting patients on pain medication contracts with their doctors. She goes over the contract with the patients and has them sign it. She also works along Doctors in pain management groups that discuss the medications patients are taking and if they have any questions. Before I asked her a few questions, Kate gave me a copy of the contract and I typed it all below.

The title is “Controlled Medicines Agreement.”

Purpose:

The purpose of this agreement is to make clear what I can expect when I am prescribed controlled medicines (such as morphine, methadone, oxycodone, Percocet, vicodin, adderall, clonazepam, ativan, xanax, etc) as part of the treatment of my medical condition. It describes what I can expect from my provider and what my provider expects from me.

We________________and________________

(patient) (Provider)

Have decided to use controlled medicines to treat:____________________

(symptom,cause)

Medicines (brand and generic names, dose, directions, frequency of dispensing)

1.________________________

2.________________________

3.________________________

My provider’s responsibilities

∙To asses my condition and create and monitor a safe personal treatment plan.

∙To make sure that my treatment follows the law regarding controlled substances.

∙To stop prescribing controlled medicines to me if I break this agreement. If that happens, my provider may continue to see me for my primary care.

My Responsibilities

1._______________understand and agree to the following:

∙I will follow the treatment plan that my provider and I agree on. The plan may require diagnostics tests, group visits

Group visits, specialty visits, and non-medication complementary treatments.

∙I will take the medicines as prescribed and will not share, sell, or trade them.

∙I will keep all of my medicine safe and secure.

∙I understand that if I take more medicine than my provider tells me to use I may run out of medicine early.

∙I will not be given any early refills for any reason, including lost or stolen medicine.

∙I understand that I can only request prescription refills during regular clinic hours, and must allow seven working days for my prescription to be refilled.

∙I understand that if I miss my appointment with my provider and call for refills too late, I may run out of medication and go into withdrawal.

∙I will behave respectfully towards my provider, the call center, other patients and clinic pharmacy staff. I will not be abusive or rude. I will not call the center or clinic excessively.

∙I will not seek controlled medicines for any other reasons. I will tell my provider within 24 hours if I get controlled medicines or a prescription for controlled medicines from another provider, the dentist, urgent care, the emergency department, a family member or anyone else.

∙I must see my provider at least every ________ weeks to continue receiving these medicines.

My provider may stop these medicines if I miss appointments.

∙I will not use illegal drugs or unprescribed controlled medicines.

∙I will be asked to provide my urine for drug testing at any time.

If I tell my provider that I took my prescribed medicine in the last 2 days, but it does not show up in my drug test, my provider will stop these medicines.

If my drug test shows illegal drugs to unprescibed controlled drug us, if I tamper with my urine sample, if I refuse to provide a urine sample, or I cannot urinate on the day that I am given the test, my provider will stop these medicines. I understand that I may be called into the clinic to provide a urine sample between scheduled appointments. My provider may also ask me to bring my medicine to the clinic for a pill count at that time. It is my responsibility to make sure the clinic has my working phone number where they can reach me. If I am called, I must do a urine drug test and submit the appropriate amount of pills within 24 hours or my provider will stop these medicines.

∙I will tell my provider about any other medicines I am taking or providers I am seeing for care.

∙I will tell my provider about my personal/family history of addiction or substance use.

Terms of Agreement:

This agreement will be reviewed at least once a year. It will also be reviewed if I change providers or break the agreement.

Acknowledgements:

I have selected the provider named below to care for my medical needs.

I have been informed of the possible risk and benefits of these medicines.

I have read and understand all of the information included in this form. I have been able to ask questions about this agreement and have them answered. I have been offered a copy of this form.

I am signing this form by my own choice, and I accept all of its terms.

Patient______________

DOB________________

Provider_____________

Date________________

So according to Kate when a patient comes for a consultation and requesting to take medications for a condition the doctor first has Kate go over this with the patient. Otherwise they will not prescribe or dispense any medication to the patient if they do not agree with the form. Mostly all clinics are now required to submit a contract with the patient. It is for safety reasons for both the patient and the clinic.

1. Are there a lot of patients who come in requesting controlled substance without being in a lot of pain?

Well yeah, some patients cannot stand any pain at all and choose to take these types of medications to help them.

2. Do you ever get patients who do not wish to sign the contract and do they still get their medications because of their condition?

No, we are absolutely not allowed to prescribe any controlled substance to any patients without them having their signature on that contract. If anything were to happen we would be easily sued.

3. What made the clinic come up with a pain contract?

Well it is required now, usually all clinics need to do this. And one of the main reasons why we are so hard on this is due to the fact that one of our patients overdosed by not following safety precautions and now we are being sued.

4. How do you notice when a patient is becoming an addict?

It’s not that hard to tell, usually they deny doing a drug test; we see other drugs not prescribed by us in their urine and are very abusive if they don’t have their medicine on time.

5. What happens when that becomes a problem? What step does the clinic take next?

If we notice a patients abusing drugs or becoming addicted, we take further measures. The provider will stop prescribing the medicine, the person goes into therapy and the patient goes into withdrawal. Withdrawals are the worst pain a patient can experience, especially if they’ve become addicted.

6. What are the differences between addiction, tolerance and dependent?

It’s really easy to confuse all three, when a person becomes addicted you start noticing odd behaviors and not compelling to what the provider is asking. Refusing random drug test, being abusive towards staff, families and friends. Tolerance is when they no longer feel the medicine working therefore, an increase of dosage needs to happen and dependent is when the body physically hurts. When that happens your body needs the drug.

7. Is there a specific age group or younger crowd that gives more trouble?

No, because controlled medicines are usually for people with chronic pain it’s a variety of age. There’s not a specific age group.

8. Can a patient refuse to sign the contract? If so what happens since she/he is in pain?

There are other ways to treat pain without the need of medicines. That is why we have pain management groups. It’s up to the patient to see if that works for them or not, but regardless without their consent we won’t prescribe anything.

9. How often does the clinic hold meetings about opioid information?

Since there are new things that came up along the way we like to have meetings to update the staff. The receptionist are the first people patients see and they usually take things out on them so it’s good to educate them on how we go by here with controlled substances. That way they know what to tell the patients and how to help.

10. What happens when the clinic finds out if a person is selling their medicines?

We’ve had a patient who saw another patient sell his medication to another person. In that case, the provider stops his prescribing and we notify the police.

REFLECTION

A questioned that I always asked myself, but never found an answer until I started to research was, “Do people really become addicted to drugs? Or is it all in their head?” I always thought becoming an addict was for the weak minded. I would say “well as long as you got a strong mentally, you won’t fall for it.” I can see now that I was wrong. People really do fall into addiction without even knowing. The medications are so strong and so pleasurable to where you no longer feel pain that your body even feigns for it. Another reason why people become addicts is because they become accustomed to the feeling of ‘high’ and enjoys it. I also learned that there are stages of becoming an addict. I used to believe patients who would come to work stating they were going to die if they did not get their pain medication, but during my interview with Dr. Kayman, a psychiatrist who I work with, told me that patients going through withdrawals is painful, but not deadly. Although my career is not working with patients who are suffering addiction problems, it is still helpful for me to be educated on it. Why? Well because I enjoy working in the health field. I’ve worked as a Medical Assistant for the past two years. As I mentioned before working with patients especially those who are on opioids can be extremely difficult and sometimes dangerous. I’ve had personal experiences with patients at work numerous of times that it lead me to wanting to know of why that would happen. I plan on getting my BA and becoming an x-ray technician in the future. Although I will not be a nurse or a doctor working with patients at that level, as a person working in the health field I can I will still encounter patients who are on opioids. However, I will feel better understanding their addictive problem and knowing I have to be patient with them. Every assignment assigned to me during this semester had me reach deeper into my topic. Learning new things, questioning what didn’t make sense to me and finding answers that lead me to understand it more. I also got more into this topic because at the clinic that I work at is being sued because a patient overdosed on pain medications. I wanted to understand why these patients relied so much on it and be more supportive instead of criticizing.

METAPHOR

This lady has Chronic Arthritis which lead her to take pain medications. She became addicted and started abusing the drugs. She mentioned that at first she was unconsciously doing it. I notice this from many of my patients at the clinic. She did exactly what some were doing which was going to other doctor's office to get prescribed pain medicines.