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Addiction and athletes: Who's to blame?
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LV Cougarfan | 1:26 a.m. Oct. 29, 2007
I agree that this is a very serious issue. The athletic programs of each school
(if they don't already) should require all of their athletes to take some
sort of educational course on prescription drug abuse/pain killer addiction. The
coaching staff and training staff should be more cognizant of the pressure
athletes are placed under to perform. Articles like this one help spread
awareness that will hopefully lead to action. What I do not agree with is that
issues like this will give certain people reasons to scream for BYU to shut down
their football program. How ridiculous! Football isn't the only program BYU
has that can have incidents that could cause negative publicity. No matter how
hard you try, you can't avoid some people making poor choices. If someone
from the marching band or some other school program somehow messes up publicly,
will you call for BYU to cancel that program as well? Like I said, it's
absolutely ridiculous. The publicity generated by the football program creates
far more positives for the school than negatives, by far!
LV Cougarfan | 1:34 a.m. Oct. 29, 2007
For all those who might needle my marching band example, realize it is just an
example. Obviously the football program is a little more high vis than most
other programs, but that's not the main issue. Taking away a school program
because some people mess up and create bad publicity is the issue that I
disagree with. You might as well take away people's ability to choose. The
honor code isn't enough for some people apparently.
Comments continue below
vulnerable | 3:44 a.m. Oct. 29, 2007
Thanks for all these articles...it has raised my own awareness. I see this as a
potential problem for any athlete in any sport. As a mother of a daughter who
wants to dance on pointe...this concerns me. I don't know who is too
blame....but certainly prevention should be a priority for every athlete,
athletic programs, attending physicians and parents. It is sad to see bright
people with potential lose their futures and there lives. So sad! Thank for
making us aware how vulnerable anyone can become to drug addiction.
Tiny | 4:43 a.m. Oct. 29, 2007
I don't believe BYU is the only school out there with the problem, even
though the reporter seemed to like using it as the only example. I also believe
alot of the pressure comes from the coaches to rush these players back into the
line-up before they are healed. But, the players themselves have to take
responsibility for their addictions. They made the choice to continue taking
them cause they wanted to play before they were ready. They cared more for the
sport rather then their own health. I also feel that schools need to have a
special class for these athletes about pain killer addiction so they can know
the danger, and make it mandatory.
ATC | 5:37 a.m. Oct. 29, 2007
I am a nationally certified and state licensed athletic trainer who works at a
local high school. This problem extends to the over-the-counter drugs as well.
This year a football player passed out during a game. I discovered on the
sideline that he had taken double the prescrition amount of ibuprofen before the
game started. In some cases, this could be a lethal dose. This is only one of
the many reasons I chose not to even carry ANY OTC or prescription meds at the
high school. The risk is too high and the problem would only be compounded. I
get asked by athletes, coaches, and even school staff if I carry any meds. Some
get very aggrivated to learn that I don't. It's just not worth the
risk, at all. Please parents, talk about the risk with your athletes, even if it
is a minor thing like a sprained ankle. Also talk with your doctor to see what
is appropriate before and after games/practices.
Anonymous | 5:57 a.m. Oct. 29, 2007
Until people stop looking for answers to their problems externally rather than
taking the inward journey, you will always have some with dependency problems.
Carl | 6:44 a.m. Oct. 29, 2007
Why do we need them at all? The dangers far outweigh the benefits. Addiction or
pain relief? Its silly.
How many times we hear people taking these things for mild aches and pains as well.
A bunch a wimps. Suck it up. No need to come home with prescribed pain medication ever!!!
We can endure pain without them. Non addictive forms can help and then the rest is up to you to deal with it. Since when was pain considered such a thing that we have to avoid at all costs.
I've had doctors look at me in shock when after back injuries, motorcycle accidents etc and I turn down their take home goody bag.
They dispense it too freely.
It doesn't matter who's to blame.
NO NEED FOR THEM AT ALL!!
How many times we hear people taking these things for mild aches and pains as well.
A bunch a wimps. Suck it up. No need to come home with prescribed pain medication ever!!!
We can endure pain without them. Non addictive forms can help and then the rest is up to you to deal with it. Since when was pain considered such a thing that we have to avoid at all costs.
I've had doctors look at me in shock when after back injuries, motorcycle accidents etc and I turn down their take home goody bag.
They dispense it too freely.
It doesn't matter who's to blame.
NO NEED FOR THEM AT ALL!!
Redtruck 1 | 6:51 a.m. Oct. 29, 2007
I am a licensed substance abuse counselor, working for a treatment provider here
in SLC. This is a hugh problem throughout the valley. Not just in the athletic
arena. We are experencing a hugh rise in the painkiller abuse. Which leads
directly to the use of heroin. I recently had a University of Utah student, who
got hurt while riding a bike. He became addicted to pain killers and when
"Doctor Shoping." He had 7 different doctors prescribe him pain
killers. He went to a pharmacy and got 100 pills one day, went to a different
pharmacy and used his middle name and got 90 more the next. These pills sell
for up to $2,00 per mg on the street. When they run out of pills they can get
heroin much cheeper and easier. This problem is becoming bigger than
Methamphetamine in the SLC valley. It starts out incecently for most everyone,
not just atheletes. The community, Doctors, Dentists, and legistslators need to
be educated on how big a problem this is becoming. Lives are being ruined due
to addiction to opiod pain killers.
mom | 7:29 a.m. Oct. 29, 2007
my nephew played for byu in the 80's. He later was injured at geneva steel
and became addicted to pain meds. We thought it would kill him but he finally
overcame it a couple of years ago and looks healthy again. People don't
realize how terrible these can be.
Douglas | 7:47 a.m. Oct. 29, 2007
I was an athlete at BYU in 01-04. I got injured in the weight room and
immediately was prescribed pain killers and muscle relaxants. My injury
eventually required a couple surgeries. I got hooked on the drugs after a
while. During my time there I learned of dozens of athletes addicted to these
things. athletes always asking me for some. Not only pain killers but Ambien as
well. This is a huge problem, not only at BYU. There never was a prevention
course. Just the warning on the prescription saying 'this medication may
be habbit forming if taken for a long period of time'. Yet I was
prescribed them for quite a long period of time(6 months).
Anyway, there needs to be prevention as well as options for athletes who do become addicted.
Anyway, there needs to be prevention as well as options for athletes who do become addicted.
Craig | 8:23 a.m. Oct. 29, 2007
These articles were interesting, but left a bad taste in my mouth. Way too much
skewed towards BYU. Irresponsible reporting.
Homer S. | 8:26 a.m. Oct. 29, 2007
I think everyone has some blame in this issue. I think one of the hardest thing
to understand in medicine is someones pain level and tolerance to pain. Everyone
is different. So when you deal with people who have chronic pain, they take
these pills to numb the pain, but also numb them from the reality they face
everyday with confronting the pain they have.
I think the medical world should never prescribe narcotics over a long period of time without strict monitoring and also pyschological monitoring of the patient. Doctors do a really good job at treating the pain problem, but they fail to see the problem that is created from taking opiates over a long period of time. Addiction to these pills is horrible. They are hard to come off, especially if you are facing a chronic pain situation.
I think the medical world should never prescribe narcotics over a long period of time without strict monitoring and also pyschological monitoring of the patient. Doctors do a really good job at treating the pain problem, but they fail to see the problem that is created from taking opiates over a long period of time. Addiction to these pills is horrible. They are hard to come off, especially if you are facing a chronic pain situation.
Dad | 8:28 a.m. Oct. 29, 2007
As a Human Resources executive for a large West Coast corporation, I see how
much pain medication is prescribed and how often it is abused. I can tell you
that prescription drug abuse is at an all-time high, while abuse of illicit
drugs has declined. It is not just in athletics, but in every aspect in life.
The difference is athletes may have more instances of injuries where
pain-killers are prescribed and therefore more potential access. I think we as
parents need to teach our kids, especially by example, that pain medication is
addictive and to only use it sparingly. Hopefully athletic departments will
also teach them the same.
1980's | 8:41 a.m. Oct. 29, 2007
There was a time when there was some irresponsibility on behalf of the program.
In the mid-1980's The team doc would walk down the aisle of the airplane on
the way home from an away game. As a freshman playing just special teams and not
being injured, I was still offered pain pills. When i refused other older
players got on my case--i was suppose to accept them and then give the pills to
the players that wanted them. The whole medical and training staff was replaced,
and I can't imagine they don't monitor it much more closely now.
Mtb | 8:44 a.m. Oct. 29, 2007
I just wish that sports could be just that..sports! Why is it so important to
win at all costs? Play for the fun and enjoyment of the games.
Playing when you should not is crazy.
Playing when you should not is crazy.
BB | 9:00 a.m. Oct. 29, 2007
Its good to see that the Deseret News ran this story, and it is good to see that
BYU agreed to acknowledge that it has had problems. Undoubtedly this is a
problem at EVERY college football program, and all teams should be monitoring
the issue with a microscope.
Im quite sure that BYU, nor any other school, wants to contribute to, yet alone cause, addictions in their athletes -- even if it means losing a game. Further, Im sure the kids who have become addicted, would have never considered taking pills had they known the devastating consequences associated with this addiction.
My heart goes out to these kids, as well as their families, and I hope schools and society can educate and get these kids the help they need. Just like the article said, most of these kids who are addicted started b/c of a legitimate injury. Good luck to Atkinson, his family, and all others who battle or will battle this extremely addictive drug.
Im quite sure that BYU, nor any other school, wants to contribute to, yet alone cause, addictions in their athletes -- even if it means losing a game. Further, Im sure the kids who have become addicted, would have never considered taking pills had they known the devastating consequences associated with this addiction.
My heart goes out to these kids, as well as their families, and I hope schools and society can educate and get these kids the help they need. Just like the article said, most of these kids who are addicted started b/c of a legitimate injury. Good luck to Atkinson, his family, and all others who battle or will battle this extremely addictive drug.
idaho falls | 9:07 a.m. Oct. 29, 2007
this problem happens everywhere. The article likes to emphasize the problem at
BYU only because some people feel that as a church school there might be an
element of hypocrisy. Personally I don't buy that. I am a practicing
physician and see opiate addiction daily in my practice. It has gotten totally
out of hand. People's lives become ruined by these. I feel for them and
wish them well.
I don't think highlighting the problem at BYU is helpful. All college athletics deal with this issue.
I don't think highlighting the problem at BYU is helpful. All college athletics deal with this issue.
re: Carl | 9:07 a.m. Oct. 29, 2007
Why do we need painkillers? You are kidding me right? What about the woman who
has a hysterectomy or the soldier in Iraq who has his arm blown off? Or, more
appropriately, what about the football player who snaps his leg and his bone is
sticking out? Or, even on a smaller level, have you ever had a kidney stone?
The problem, of course, is that these individuals can become addicted -- but there is no way these pills should be completely banned. They serve a vital, medical function.
The problem, of course, is that these individuals can become addicted -- but there is no way these pills should be completely banned. They serve a vital, medical function.
Anonymous | 9:09 a.m. Oct. 29, 2007
Our is a drug culture.
No religion, creed, race, or college is immune from it.
No religion, creed, race, or college is immune from it.
To Carl | 9:11 a.m. Oct. 29, 2007
I agree to an extent with you. What you do have to understand, however, is that
as an athlete there is so much pressure on you to be the best all the time. If
you're injured, you're looked down upon as a waste of a scholarship
and the likelyhood of you coming back and having the total respect of the
coaches is not high. Athletes take pain medications because of the pressure.
I'm not saying that's right, it's just true. You think I'm
going to lose my scholarship because I can't fight through pain?
DCnTN | 9:15 a.m. Oct. 29, 2007
I had a brief wrestling career at Ricks. A month into practice I got kicked in
the eye so forcefully that I thought I'd ruptured the globe of my eye. It
make me look around. I saw cauliflower ears, crooked finger and noses, and
scars from ortho surgeries on lots of knees and shoulders.
I quit the team. Fortunately, with low tuition I was able to afford school without a scholie. If I'd been in a high profile sport or saw a possible pro career, it would have been more difficult to stop.
As a chiropractor I see lots of bodies destroyed by sports, especially football. I also see a surprising number of pill seekers. Sometimes MD's send patients they suspect of drug seeking to me as a litmis test of the patient's true motives.
There is a flip side to this coin. People with chronic injuries and very real pain that truly benefit from narcotics.
There are no easy solutions, a national database of prescriptions filled would be a starting point for early intervention. Assigning patients with chronic pain to a single pain management specialist would also help.
Universities should consider providing lifetime rehab benefits to all former players.
I quit the team. Fortunately, with low tuition I was able to afford school without a scholie. If I'd been in a high profile sport or saw a possible pro career, it would have been more difficult to stop.
As a chiropractor I see lots of bodies destroyed by sports, especially football. I also see a surprising number of pill seekers. Sometimes MD's send patients they suspect of drug seeking to me as a litmis test of the patient's true motives.
There is a flip side to this coin. People with chronic injuries and very real pain that truly benefit from narcotics.
There are no easy solutions, a national database of prescriptions filled would be a starting point for early intervention. Assigning patients with chronic pain to a single pain management specialist would also help.
Universities should consider providing lifetime rehab benefits to all former players.
As a huge Ute Fan | 10:18 a.m. Oct. 29, 2007
I am glad the Deseret News is running this report. Also, thanks to BYU for
acknowledging it. This is a huge problem and I am sure the U has issues with it
as well as many other schools.
Also as an avid snowboarder, many boarders, especially young guys wanting to make a name for themselves, take Lortab because they jump, fall, get up and do it again. It's a huge problem and I can only hope parents take note. Please, it has to start with educating these young kids. Teach them what these drugs do.
Thank you D-news and Thank you BYU, this can help educate many people. Thanks again.
Also as an avid snowboarder, many boarders, especially young guys wanting to make a name for themselves, take Lortab because they jump, fall, get up and do it again. It's a huge problem and I can only hope parents take note. Please, it has to start with educating these young kids. Teach them what these drugs do.
Thank you D-news and Thank you BYU, this can help educate many people. Thanks again.
Anonymous | 10:21 a.m. Oct. 29, 2007
Ours is an externally-driven quick-fix society.
Quick-fixes such as drug use is nothing other than "cheap grace."
Quick-fixes such as drug use is nothing other than "cheap grace."
Anonymous | 9:30 a.m. Oct. 29, 2007
This confirms that sports was never about a sportsmanship. Sports is about
winning and money. Provo's crime rate would drop if BYU dropped football.
City's Church's and schools all sell out worshiping the money sports
brings in.
Next research the gambling addictions feed by betting on sports. I've seen "fans" go from five buck bets with friends to five hundred dollar bets through bookies.
I'm just blessed I was too astute to get involved with sports.
Next research the gambling addictions feed by betting on sports. I've seen "fans" go from five buck bets with friends to five hundred dollar bets through bookies.
I'm just blessed I was too astute to get involved with sports.
Carl | 9:43 a.m. Oct. 29, 2007
The huge problem of addiction isn't with extreme examples of war injuries
and bones sticking out of the skin, its with any pain now a days. Get treatment
at the hospital then don't have a prescription in hand to fill for
continued pain. Non-addictive drugs and sucking it up will do.
These drugs are no different than illegal drugs like heroine. Yet a Dr. would lose his license if he did that. Hypocrisy!! Drug company is behind one and dirty dealer behind the other with the same results. Yet big Pharma isn't held responsible or the Doctors/Dentists (sheep) that dispense and don't resolve.
These drugs are no different than illegal drugs like heroine. Yet a Dr. would lose his license if he did that. Hypocrisy!! Drug company is behind one and dirty dealer behind the other with the same results. Yet big Pharma isn't held responsible or the Doctors/Dentists (sheep) that dispense and don't resolve.
re: Anonymous | 9:59 a.m. Oct. 29, 2007
Dear Anonymous -- You are so far removed from reality that it is comical. Quick
fix? What about those soldiers whose arms are blown off in Iraq and later become
addicted? Or what of those cancer victims who need pain killers for treatment
and later have a problem? Or, what about that football player who breaks his
back and then becomes addicted and loses his life (Martin) when he had all the
potential int he world? Is it a quick fix that should be regarded as
"cheap grace?" You honestly need to rethink reality as well as simple
human empathy.
To the other anonymous: PRovos crime rate would drop if BYU dropped football? No, crime rate would drop if kids stopped committing crimes, and the reasons they do so clearly unknown to you. P.S. -- Im sure your lack of involvement in sports was due to your lack of athletic ability, not putative crime rate.
To the other anonymous: PRovos crime rate would drop if BYU dropped football? No, crime rate would drop if kids stopped committing crimes, and the reasons they do so clearly unknown to you. P.S. -- Im sure your lack of involvement in sports was due to your lack of athletic ability, not putative crime rate.
Abuse in the 80's | 10:05 a.m. Oct. 29, 2007
BYU like many other football programs has learned about the ugly side of
prescription drug abuse. Our family knew a wide receiver who played for BYU
during the late 80's, who not only was abusing pain killers (due to a back
injury) but also was taking steroids and having roid rage episodes. Hopefully,
schools will learn from their mistakes and help players avoid the tragic stories
that have been reported about with this series of articles.
Dennis | 11:08 a.m. Oct. 29, 2007
I've often wondered why it is that the State of Utah leads the nation in
prescription drug abuse?
A cultural thing?
A cultural thing?
Spirit of the Y | 10:10 a.m. Oct. 29, 2007
I have to disagree with several posts above. I'm actually glad they did
use BYU as the primary example. We should hold ourselves to the highest
standards.
I am hopeful that the administration will be able to instill a new attitude and policy that will help these athletes.
I am hopeful that the administration will be able to instill a new attitude and policy that will help these athletes.
Scotty | 10:21 a.m. Oct. 29, 2007
This is something that goes way beyond sports. It is a problem in our general
society. The problem here is that pain is a "feeling" and is not
seen. If a person has an obvious injury, such as a broken bone, or bleeding
gash, it is certain that pain will be involved. But what if the person
complains about pain long after surgery, and the normal time of recovery? Is
the MD going to say: "No, you're not experiencing pain?" Pain
is very easy to fake, in order to get drugs or disabilty money. How do you
disprove someone who says they are having lower back pain, or headaches?
MDs, family, and friends all play important preventative roles in this, but it seems to me the main responsibilty here is with the individual, who fakes or exaggerates pain for drugs or money.
MDs, family, and friends all play important preventative roles in this, but it seems to me the main responsibilty here is with the individual, who fakes or exaggerates pain for drugs or money.
Anonymous | 11:39 a.m. Oct. 29, 2007
I recently finished chemotherapy. I had a drawer full of prescription drugs,
including Lortab, Ativan and Oxycotin. My prescription for Oxycotin was for 90
pills, to be renewed 3 times. I took one and felt that it affected my thinking.
Since I am a physicist this was an undesired side effect. I flushed the other
89 pills down the toilet and shredded the prescription. I was able to handle
the side effect of chemotherapy with an occasional Aleve. We are responsible
for what we put in our body. It is so easy to research each medication. Just
google the name. Really, before we blame someone else, we have to take personal
responsibility. We pop them, no-one else does.
3rd Gen Cougar Fan | 10:42 a.m. Oct. 29, 2007
Anyone who thinks this is unique to BYU is just plain ignorant. I have been a
football fan all of my life, as well as a player, and I know for a fact that
this is very pervasive at all levels of football, from High School to the NFL.
Does anyone remember Brett Favre's stint in rehab for this very thing? The
death of Martin was a very sad and disturbing thing to read about. My heart goes
out to his family. It is understandable and natural to look for blame in such a
tragedy, but placing the blame solely at the feet of BYU coaches is
irresponsible. Prescription drug abuse is a problem that, sadly, pervades all of
society, not just sports. Society as a whole has largely overlooked it, with the
focus being primarily on illegal drug abuse (cocaine, heroin, meth, etc). We are
finally waking up to the fact that prescription drugs can be just as addictive
and destructive. I hope that all athletic organizations, NOT JUST BYU, will
become more aware of this problem and take steps to reduce the risk of athletes
becoming ensnared, and identify and get treatment for those that already have
been.
Anonymous | 12:05 p.m. Oct. 29, 2007
The human body is a remarkable tool. It's self-healing powers are
miraculous. But when it comes to psychotropics, it's just too easy for a
physician to prescribe an upper or downer in today's confusing and
horizonless world.
And easier yet for an undisciplined and impatient person to pop a pill and get stoned.
And easier yet for an undisciplined and impatient person to pop a pill and get stoned.
Motes and beams | 11:29 a.m. Oct. 29, 2007
It seems to be human tendency to want to blame someone for the problems we
face--it is far easier than accepting responsibility for our own actions.
Addicts blame "society", bad relationships, their parents, spouse,
friends, doctors, etc. for their addictions. Even if there is truth in their
blame, the act of blaming someone else is counterproductive to addressing the
problem and trying to move on. The question is not who to blame, but how to help
those who become addicted.
Prescription drug addiction is not unique to athletes, BYU, Utah, or the US.
Prescription drug addiction is not unique to athletes, BYU, Utah, or the US.
BYU Isn't Alone | 11:31 a.m. Oct. 29, 2007
I find it interesting how many people take offense to BYU being used throughout
the story. I find that Utah media stick to Utah sports and aren't that
knowledgeable about the national sports scene. Nothing is funnier than watching
a local sport broadcaster butcher an athletes name in highlights. At much
larger programs this can be even more of a problem than I am sure it is at BYU.
Pain | 12:46 p.m. Oct. 29, 2007
Pain serves a purpose!! Pain was meant to tell us (for the most part) to limit
activity, to avoid what is causing the pain, and to get definitive treatment.
For the far majority of pains (as Carl states) non-prescription medications will
do just fine, with icing and rest. For more severe pain, prescription meds on a
limited basis, until definitive treatment is obtained is the right course.
RARELY (cancer, sickle cell, etc) are continuous narcotics a good choice.
Most of us need to return some basics of good health:
1. Exercise daily
2. Eat healthy
3. Maintain a healthy weight
4. Go to be early
5. Rest injuries
We tend to treat pain like we do fatigue--masking it with medications, or in the case of fatigue (from not doing #4 above) drink caffeine.
Most of us need to return some basics of good health:
1. Exercise daily
2. Eat healthy
3. Maintain a healthy weight
4. Go to be early
5. Rest injuries
We tend to treat pain like we do fatigue--masking it with medications, or in the case of fatigue (from not doing #4 above) drink caffeine.
Drug Free | 11:52 a.m. Oct. 29, 2007
After a capsular shrinkage procedure on my shoulder (sports injury) I was given
2 weeks of Lortab to fight the pain. The surgeon said if I didn't keep on
top of the pain with the meds I would never catch up. After three pills I saw
what was happening to my mind. I couldn't think straight. I decided to
fight the pain with a clear mind instead of blurring reality through drugs. This
was my personal choice and I lived in Hell for a two weeks. The doctor kept
asking if I needed more help with the pain and offered to keep writing
prescriptions. After becoming a psychologist I continue to see addicted people
seeking relief for the pain of ruined bodies. Part of our problem lies in the
mentality of a silver bullet to end pain and also in the availability of
prescription meds. Each addiction starts with an individual choice and is
fostered by external pressures to perform. We can lessen the impact of
addiction if counseling is given along with the painkillers and then their use
is closely monitored.
BYU Grad | 12:58 p.m. Oct. 29, 2007
Before all you self-consious, persecution complex BYU fans get your thin skin
bruised, you might want to notice the first article in the series was about an
athlete from USU.
Concerned | 1:06 p.m. Oct. 29, 2007
I am concerned with Tom Holmoe's statement that BYU has a system in place
to identify those with prescription painkiller addictions. This system, he goes
on to further define, is spearheaded by the ecclesiastical endorsement process
and the BYU honor code. As a former BYU singles ward bishop who did hundreds of
endorsements and had several male and female athletes in various sports in his
ward, this is troubling to think that I was being relied on as the first line of
defense. As far as I can remember, we never got any instruction from the
administration to be on the lookout for potential abuse of this kind. With the
relatively small number of kids coming to us with problems, the vast majority
involved issues related to sexual immorality, drinking, and illegal drugs. Even
in these cases, many would attempt to rationalize their behavior in some way.
Misuse of prescription drugs which are otherwise legal is far too easy to
minimalize in a student's mind, and I doubt many athletes would choose to
bring it up in a confession. I think the athletic department needs to take more
specific steps in this area. Random drug tests are only the beginning.
Dear concerned | 1:30 p.m. Oct. 29, 2007
Part of this is an NCAA problem. The NCAA relies on the school to police
themselves and there is no consistency from school to school.
Re: Pain | 1:37 p.m. Oct. 29, 2007
I love the people that think that everything can be solved by living a healthy
lifestyle. Maybe you should experience having cancer, major surgery, or other
chronic pain conditions. Pain medicine allows people to have a somewhat normal
life while they are in pain.
Doctors just need to be aware of how they are prescribing these drugs. They should check the pharmacy database to see if the person is getting drugs from someone else. But the worst thing a doctor can do is leave someone who is addicted to pain meds high and dry. Once they are addicted, they need to be helped even more. Just like some of these football players, once the supply is taken away, they turn to crime and illegal purchases. There needs to be an education process for doctors to show people who are addicted that they can get off of them
Doctors just need to be aware of how they are prescribing these drugs. They should check the pharmacy database to see if the person is getting drugs from someone else. But the worst thing a doctor can do is leave someone who is addicted to pain meds high and dry. Once they are addicted, they need to be helped even more. Just like some of these football players, once the supply is taken away, they turn to crime and illegal purchases. There needs to be an education process for doctors to show people who are addicted that they can get off of them
Phil | 2:07 p.m. Oct. 29, 2007
I was given tons of pain killers involving injuries from an accident. I doubt I
took more than I third I was given, and I never asked for any. I did not like
how they effected me. So I lived with the pain. I really don't know what
could be done, other than allow your students to travel if injuried. These kids
are risking their future, the least a school could do is let them go to the away
games.
johnny cobert | 2:09 p.m. Oct. 29, 2007
I was an adult probation officer in Texas for some twenty-five years. I saw an
awesome amout of tragedy
in those years because of drugs. Judy (not her real name) had a car wreck while under the influence and killed her four year old child. Her left arm had to be amputated. She was sent to prison for practically
the rest of her life. Jack (not his real name) played professional football in the NFL for eight years. He had fame and fortune. When I knew him as his probation officer, he was broke, in bad health, lived in a shack, and had nothing but memories. Drugs took EVERYTHING from him. Significant people in an athletic's MUST watch and see the warning signs. It doesn't take a rocket scientist to see that something not right is going on. Being LDS does not make you exempt. AA/NA is an excellent source to go to for information on what to do to get help for the athletic OR non-athletic who is in the early stages of addiction. Stop it before it gets too advanced. The longer the wait, the greater the problem.
in those years because of drugs. Judy (not her real name) had a car wreck while under the influence and killed her four year old child. Her left arm had to be amputated. She was sent to prison for practically
the rest of her life. Jack (not his real name) played professional football in the NFL for eight years. He had fame and fortune. When I knew him as his probation officer, he was broke, in bad health, lived in a shack, and had nothing but memories. Drugs took EVERYTHING from him. Significant people in an athletic's MUST watch and see the warning signs. It doesn't take a rocket scientist to see that something not right is going on. Being LDS does not make you exempt. AA/NA is an excellent source to go to for information on what to do to get help for the athletic OR non-athletic who is in the early stages of addiction. Stop it before it gets too advanced. The longer the wait, the greater the problem.
Anonymous | 2:23 p.m. Oct. 29, 2007
I was in the pharmaceutical industry for over a decade. Doctors love to be
"heroes" and dispense a pill that makes the patient feel better. Then
they can "bring them back in" to check the doseage and more money for
an office visit. The docs with the most integrity understand how addictive
uppers and downers can be. Limbaugh and Elvis had no trouble shopping around
for their fix.
mel | 2:46 p.m. Oct. 29, 2007
This is a hugh problem - nation wide. It saddens me to see the finger pointing
because it's not a case of being able to pinpoint the problem. Who is to
blame? Everyone is... the coaches, prescribing physicians, athletic staff,
parents, fans and most importantly the athlete. The only person who can say how
an athlete is feeling is the athlete. Sports has become a business. The
expectations are that a team will put everything they have into winning. The
pressure on the athlete to perform and to get back in the game is big. So they
under report pain so they can play and in some cases they over report pain so
they can get more medication. Addiction is a horrible thing and not an easy
cycle to break.
Let me repeat myself here... no one person is to blame... we as a society are responsible and it is a growing problem everywhere (not just with athletes). Access to prescription pain medication needs to decrease and education about the dangers of these medications need to increase.
Let me repeat myself here... no one person is to blame... we as a society are responsible and it is a growing problem everywhere (not just with athletes). Access to prescription pain medication needs to decrease and education about the dangers of these medications need to increase.
Anonymous | 2:57 p.m. Oct. 29, 2007
Ours is a drug culture spinning out of control.
quickthinker | 4:05 p.m. Oct. 29, 2007
For all you people writing under the name "Anonymous" I you can do
better. If you can't or won't or are too embarassed to sign your real
name at least think of some clever pseudononym.
atc2 | 4:14 p.m. Oct. 29, 2007
If the physician isn't prescribing it, an athlete can always get it from a
friend who has them from a previous surgery, or current injury. Unfortunately,
there is always a way to get a hold of prescrip. drugs regardless of medical
staff diligence.
jfrazier | 4:46 p.m. Oct. 29, 2007
Phil, I had the same experience with pain killers. After having my Achilles
tendon reattached (full repture) and my wisdom teeth out (not at the same time,
thankfully) I took only two pain killer tablets combined for the two. I
can't say how others react to pain, but for me I just did not like the
feeling I got after taking the pain killers.
I can understand that some people need them, but we must recognize that they have their risks. Pain management should be a program of doing all we can to relieve the pain naturally, supplemented by supervised medication. Not medication first, and more if that does not work. I hear of the quantity of medication people are able to obtain and it is disturbing. The doctors must do a better job of monitoring the pain treatment.
I can understand that some people need them, but we must recognize that they have their risks. Pain management should be a program of doing all we can to relieve the pain naturally, supplemented by supervised medication. Not medication first, and more if that does not work. I hear of the quantity of medication people are able to obtain and it is disturbing. The doctors must do a better job of monitoring the pain treatment.
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Teach that in school and it is like a eight sided sign. And if you do not know what that is please stay off the road and you need help. please get it