Betrayed by Big Pharma? How the Opioid Crisis Is Endangering Seniors

When you think of the opioid crisis, what image comes to mind?

Chances are, it’s not you or your peers—the wise, experienced generation that’s weathered life’s storms and come out stronger.

But here’s a shocking truth that Big Pharma doesn’t want you to know… your generation is silently becoming the newest victims of the opioid epidemic.

That’s right—the very pills that many doctors are pushing on you and your friends to manage chronic pain are creating a new wave of addiction among seniors.

And the consequences are nothing short of devastating.

Recent data shows that overdose rates from opioids increased the most among people aged 65 and older from 2021 to 2022, outpacing all younger age groups. Even more alarming, less than half of older adults with opioid use disorder receive care for their condition.

Why is this happening? Well, it’s a perfect storm of factors that Big Pharma is all too happy to exploit:

• Chronic pain is more common in older adults, making them prime targets for opioid prescriptions.
• Seniors often have multiple health conditions, limiting their options for pain management.
• Older bodies metabolize drugs differently, increasing the risk of adverse effects and addiction.
• Many healthcare providers simply assume seniors can’t become addicted, leading to lax monitoring.

But here’s the kicker: opioids can be especially dangerous for older adults. They increase the risk of falls, fractures, cognitive impairment, and even death.

And yet, the prescriptions keep coming.

Dr. Caroline Goldzweig, chief medical officer of the Cedars-Sinai Medical Network, puts it bluntly: “Before you know it, the only thing left is an opiate, so you can sometimes be between a rock and a hard place.”

But is that really true? Or is it just what Big Pharma wants us to believe?

The thing is, there are numerous natural and alternative approaches to managing chronic pain that don’t carry the risk of addiction or devastating side effects.

Here are just a few that have shown promise:

• Acupuncture: This ancient practice has been shown to effectively manage various types of chronic pain.
• Mindfulness meditation: Studies have found that mindfulness can significantly reduce pain intensity.
• Yoga and tai chi: These gentle exercises can improve flexibility, reduce pain, and enhance overall well-being.
• Herbal remedies: Certain herbs like turmeric, ginger, and devil’s claw have natural anti-inflammatory properties.
• CBD oil: While more research is needed, many find relief from pain using this non-psychoactive component of cannabis.

Of course, we’re not saying these approaches will work for everyone or that there’s never a place for conventional pain management.

But shouldn’t these safer options be explored first, before turning to highly addictive and dangerous opioids?

Some forward-thinking healthcare systems are starting to get the message. Novant Health in North Carolina, for example, has developed an AI prediction model to identify patients at high risk for substance use disorder.

They’re also implementing new protocols for pain management in patients over 80, targeting a 50% dose reduction compared to younger patients.

But these efforts are just a drop in the bucket compared to the tidal wave of opioid prescriptions being written every day.

So what can you do to protect yourself or your loved ones?

Question your doctor: If an opioid is prescribed, ask about alternative options and the potential risks.

Start low and go slow: If an opioid is necessary, insist on the lowest possible dose for the shortest time.

Explore natural alternatives: Work with a healthcare provider knowledgeable about integrative medicine to explore safer pain management strategies.

Stay informed: Keep up with the latest research on natural pain management techniques.

Advocate for change: Support policies that promote alternative pain management and limit unnecessary opioid prescriptions.

Remember, you are your own best advocate when it comes to health. Don’t be afraid to speak up, ask questions, and seek second opinions.

To a future free from the grip of Big Pharma,

Rachel Mace
Managing Editorial Director, e-Alert
with contributions from the research team

P.S. Is the CDC ignoring an obvious solution to the antibiotic resistance crisis? Get the details here.

Source:

Seegert, L. (2024, July 15). Best Practices: Managing Opioid Risks in Older Adults. MedPage Today. [https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/best-practices-managing-opioid-risks-older-adults-2024a1000cxi]