Introduction
Opioid addiction is a growing problem, especially among older adults who have been on pain medication for years. Many have endured surgeries and other medical procedures, often ending up dependent on opioids, which significantly impact their quality of life. At Pharmtrue, we believe there is a better way to manage pain and improve life through the use of cannabis. In this blog, we will explore how cannabis can help reduce opioid use and offer a safer alternative for pain management.
The Opioid Crisis: A Growing Concern
Prescription opioid abuse is a leading cause of death in adults under 50, with 46 people dying every day from opioid overdoses. The opioid epidemic is largely due to dishonest marketing by pharmaceutical companies and the lack of safer, effective treatments for chronic pain such as cannabis.
- Statistics: Nearly 7,000 people are treated in emergency departments daily for misusing prescription opioids.
- Impact: Opioid sales quadrupled between 1999 and 2010, and overdose death rates nearly quadrupled between 2000 and 2014.
Why Opioids Aren’t the Best Solution
While opioids are effective for acute and post-surgical pain, they are not suitable for long-term use for chronic pain. Studies show that patients using opioids for chronic pain actually experience worse pain over time, where cannabis can be a much less physically addicting solution. Moreover, opioids have numerous side effects, including sedation and addiction, which can severely impact a person’s lifestyle and overall well-being.
Cannabis: A Safer Alternative
Cannabis has been proven to be a safe and effective treatment for chronic pain. The 2017 National Academies of Science, Engineering, and Medicine report concluded that cannabis is beneficial for chronic pain management. Additionally, studies show that states with legalized medical cannabis have seen decreases in opioid overdose deaths, emergency room visits, and opioid prescriptions.
Real-Life Success Stories
Many patients have successfully used cannabis to reduce or replace their opioid use. For example, one patient was able to cut off his opioid medications within days of starting a 5-to-1 THC to CBD tincture after surgery. This significantly improved his quality of life without the sedating and addictive effects of opioids.
How Cannabis Works for Pain Management
Cannabis interacts with the body’s endocannabinoid system, which helps regulate pain perception. It can reduce pain and inflammation and improve sleep, anxiety, and overall quality of life. Patients can use cannabis alongside opioids to enhance their pain-relieving effects. This allows for overall lower opioid doses and reducing the risk of addiction.
Strategies for Using Cannabis to Reduce Opioid Use
- Start Low, Go Slow: Begin with a low dose of cannabis and gradually increase it to find the optimal dose that manages pain without causing significant side effects. The key is to dose cannabis in order to find similar pain perception achieved by opioids, thus replacing the need for opioid dosing to achieve the same result.
- Consistent Use: Use cannabis consistently to manage baseline pain and symptoms. This can include tinctures or oils taken orally throughout the day.
- Inhalation for Breakthrough Pain: Use inhaled cannabis for breakthrough pain and opioid cravings. This method provides quick relief and can be easily adjusted to control symptoms.
- Combination Therapy: Combining THC and CBD can enhance the therapeutic effects of cannabis while reducing potential side effects.
Conclusion
At Pharmtrue, it is our mission to help our patients find safer, more effective ways to manage pain. Cannabis offers a promising alternative to opioids, helping patients reduce their dependence on these drugs and improve their quality of life. If you or a loved one are struggling with opioid dependence, consider exploring cannabis as a treatment option. Our team is here to guide you every step of the way.