Pubdate: Fri, 17 Oct 2003
Source: Peoria Journal Star (IL)
Copyright: 2003sPeoria Journal Star
Contact:  http://pjstar.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/338
Author: Ron Runyan

PAINKILLERS MAKE LIFE TOLERABLE FOR THOSE IN CHRONIC MISERY

Rush Limbaugh is not one of my favorite people, even though I agree with 
many of his opinions. With the recent revelation about his addiction to 
prescription painkillers, he has my sympathy even though he comes across as 
"holier than thou" in most of his public appearances.

Our society accepts the use of normally illegal drugs to relieve pain and 
suffering for terminal cancer patients. Why should society ban the use of 
these drugs in other situations where chronic pain cannot be relieved by 
other means? Many times these painkillers can make life worth living again 
for someone with severe, chronic pain.

Doctors are generally reluctant to prescribe these painkillers as a 
maintenance medication because the patient may become addicted. In fact, 
the patient becomes addicted to a tolerable degree of existence and an 
improved quality of life. Many non-addictive painkillers just do not 
provide the relief necessary for some types of chronic pain. Three of my 
friends have committed suicide because they could not find relief from 
intense, chronic pain.

I hope a drug rehabilitation program will help Rush, but if his pain has 
not been relieved by some other means, he may have to return to drugs to 
live a tolerable existence.

Ron Runyan

Pekin
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