Open Letter

Dear addicts, families and friends,

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.