Opioid use: the good and the bad

Vicodin. Oxycontin. Percocet. Fentanyl. Each of these medications belongs to a class of prescription painkillers known as opioids. Twenty-five years ago, it was rare to hear of these prescription painkillers being used for much more than treating severe pain and trauma. As opioids are derived from the opium poppy plant, they contain chemicals that relax the body and can relieve pain.

Over the years, opioid medications have become frequently prescribed and used, resulting in high rates of dependency and fatal overdoses. This opioid crisis is not isolated and does not discriminate. Dependency can happen to anyone, anywhere. When trying to kick an opioid habit, individuals will experience unpleasant physical symptoms. Getting clean becomes a difficult task to do alone.

Shane Wendel, pharmacist and owner of Central Pharmacy, says, "Opioid dependency is a disease, and should be treated as such, just like high cholesterol or high blood pressure. Until we can come to that conclusion, it will be difficult for people to ask for and receive help." Further, he says patients who no longer have access to these prescription drugs often seek out other opioid drugs like heroin.

Wendel explained that these educational events, which will be held in both New Rockford and Carrington, are just the beginning of a difficult conversation about an incredibly complex issue. Wendel will open each event by speaking on the history of the prescription, administration and consumption of opioid medications.

For years doctors were trained under a model of which prioritized the treatment of pain. In time, medical professionals have seen the risks of persistent opioid use and come to understand the limitations in the drugs' effectiveness to treat chronic pain.

This is one of the reasons that Central Clinic in Carrington was opened earlier this year- to treat opioid use dependencies and disorders. Dr. Michael Page, the providing physician at Central Clinic, will present a provider's perspective on the current opioid crisis. In addition, he will discuss some of the behavioral and medical treatments available to patients.

Registered Nurse Terah Weisenburger, who serves as the point of contact nurse at Central Clinic, and will wrap up the evening's presentation. She will review how she works with new patients to find the best treatment options for their circumstances.

A question and answer session will follow. All are welcome to attend.

The New Rockford session is scheduled for Oct. 21 at 7 p.m. at the Community Ambulance Service building downtown. Oct. 29 the presentation will be held at the Chieftain in Carrington, beginning at 7 p.m.