Date of Award
5-2012
Document Type
Independent Study
Degree Name
Master of Science (MS)
Abstract
Chronic pain affects more than 116 million Americans every year. It results in an overwhelming economic burden on the healthcare system in terms of hospitalization, rehospitalizations and outpatient clinic visits. Chronic pain is also burdensome on patients and families in terms of lost wages, and lower quality of life. It is estimated to cost the healthcare system between $261 and $300 billion per year with a loss of $297- $336 billion due to loss of productivity (American Academy of Pain, 2011).
In the early 1900's, opioid addiction ran rampant in North America. It was viewed by many as a social problem as opposed to an illness. When it was discovered that methadone was helpful in weaning people off of heroin, policy makers began using it as a means of "social control that could reduce drug related crime" (Latowsky & Kallen, p. 396, 1997). This led to stigmatization of methadone as being used for drug addiction. It became highly regulated by the government and the public began to view it negatively believing that opioid addiction could only be cured by abstinence. Methadone is still viewed by many as a "low status, harmful drug that dulls the senses and is even harder to kick than heroine" (Latowsky & Kallen, p. 396, 1997). Because of the stigma that methadone has, many people are concerned about using it for pain control.
Methadone is a synthetic opioid analgesic that is pharmacokinetically complex. Its effects are similar to morphine although structurally it is very different. It acts peripherally on smooth muscle and is mediated in the central nervous system (CNS). It is absorbed well from all routes of administration which include oral, intravenous, subcutaneous and intramuscular although the most common route is oral administration. It works by accumulating in tissues over works and the benefits of its use, health care providers will feel more confident in prescribing it to patients with chronic pain problems. Providers will be more prepared to educate the public on its use which may result in the public having a higher comfort level in using methadone for pain relief. In the long-term, providers and patients will be able to understand more clearly the advantages of methadone therefore it will be used more widely and another medication alternative would have broader availability for relief of chronic pain.
Recommended Citation
Feragen, Shantelle, "Methadone use" (2012). Theses and Dissertations. 6493.
https://commons.und.edu/theses/6493
