Addiction in RSD Patients

Those who have been paying attention to the national news recently have noticed that the opioid crisis has been dominating the media cycles. This is a pressing issue with millions of people dying due to overdoses on an annual basis. According to information from the American Medical Association, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and numerous other medical governing bodies, some of the reasons behind this increase in the number of opioid deaths include:

An increase in the rate of prescriptions for opioid and narcotic medications being generated
An influx of illicit prescription medications on the streets
A rise in the numbers of illicit drugs such as cocaine and heroin
A change in the way drug cartels are “cutting” their medications, making them inherently more dangerous
A significant stigma around individuals who struggle with addiction, specifically that of alcohol and opioids

For individuals who struggle with a diagnosis of Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy (RSD), also known as Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS), this is a significant problem. One of the mainstays of treatment of this debilitating syndrome is pain medication. For those with severe symptoms, this can include narcotic and opioid medication. Because of this, it is important for not only the individual but also their family members to think about the treatment of this disease, the medications used, and ways to prevent addiction from developing.

The Risks of Opioid Medications

One of the hallmark symptoms of Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy is the pain. This pain comes from inflammation of the nerves that feed the affected limb. The signals from these nerves are transmitted to the brain and are interpreted as pain. Therefore, one of the essential treatments is pain medication. This starts with medications such as Tylenol and Ibuprofen; however, this can progress to opioid and narcotic medications. Some of the risks of these medications include:

Altered Mental Status
Fatigue
Changes in appetite
Respiratory Depression
Addiction

As people take these medications, they can become dependent on them to function. Therefore, people should be aware of some of the warning signs of addiction.

Warning Signs of Addiction

There are several signs that someone could be developing an addiction. Some of the issues that people should watch out for include:

Withdrawal symptoms, such as sweating, rapid heart rate, and fast breathing
Difficulty sleeping at night without the medication
Having trouble making it to the next scheduled dose
Requiring the medication more frequently than before
Requiring more medication than previously

This can go by several names including tolerance and dependence; however, all of these are signs of a possible addiction. Anyone exhibiting these signs should speak to their doctor as soon as possible.

Legal Help is Available

For families struggling with Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy, help is available. Many people develop this syndrome following a traumatic accident of some kind. In these situations, speaking with an experienced RSD Attorney in Sacramento can be helpful. An experienced legal professional can conduct a full investigation and review all of the available options with the individual and their family. Please, don’t be nervous about asking for legal help when it is needed.

Related Articles by Ed Smith

Contact an Experienced Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy Attorney in Sacramento

I’m Ed Smith, an RSD Lawyer in Sacramento. If you or a family member has developed this painful condition, please give me a call at 916-382-0693 for free, friendly advice.

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