While deep rubs and hot packs used to be the form of treatment for aches and pains, the past decade has seen the emergence of a wide range of new medicines in pill form. However, the new treatments are resulting in more middle-aged people becoming addicted to prescription painkillers.

"There is a steady stream of people that are hooked on opiates, and it is a result of several things: the accessibility of illegal opiates through the Internet, the growth of pain clinics, and a greater emphasis on pain control by physicians," said Jeffery Johnson, a family practitioner and addiction specialist at the behavioral-health clinic at Central DuPage Hospital in Winfield, Ill.

More than 4 million people nationwide are addicted to legal drugs that were taken to ease the aches and pains of aging. The National Institute on Drug Abuse said the most recent nationwide statistics show a 181 percent increase in painkiller misuse from 1990 to 1998.

The typical patient, according to doctors, is in their 30s and 40s and has been treating pain from a back surgery or injuries.

"I have heard patients say, 'Yeah, I was eating them like candy,'" said Johnson. "That is when you know it is no longer for pain. It has crossed the line."

Richard Ready, medical director of New Day Center of Hinsdale Hospital in Illinois, said the prevalence of painkillers has created a society that is too quick to turn to drugs for relief.

"You can tolerate a certain level of pain," Ready said. "Sometimes people think your pain level should be zero, but everyone is walking around with some back pain or neck pain. It's natural."

COMMENTS ON THIS ARTICLE:

Posted by Catherine on 04 Sep 08 07:08 PM EDT

I was addicted to Fentynal and Klonopin for Fybromyalgia, Chronic Interstitial Cystitis and Irritable Bowel Syndrome. I manage my pain now with excercise and diet. It took 20 days to detox from the prescriptions. I lost 50lbs on meds and now am regaining my health and weight after Rehabilitation.

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