Painkiller abuse cause of concern , claim CDC authorities

Painkiller abuse due a certain class of the drugs has been a great cause of conce
for the CDC authorities because the drugs can be additive. Scientists are developing a new drug that can lessen pain to a great extent when coupled with opioids. The drug also shows the capability of blocking the elements leading to addiction.

The new drug (+) – naloxone

Painkiller medications are necessary prescriptions for people suffering from aftermaths of surgery, chronic diseases and fighting against diseases like cancer, but they are being abused by many individuals, feel the CDC.

The scientists from the University of Colorado and the University of Adelaide are busy experimenting the potential of a “total game changer “ drug called the (+) – naloxone, states the lead study author Linda Watkins .

The research team performed an experiment on rats and found out that the (+)-naloxone when paired with morphine can assuage pain to a great extent and also blocked some components leading to dependence and addiction to painkillers.

The painkiller abuse

In the year 2008, nearly 14,800 deaths due to overdose of painkillers were recorded. Available data also points out a 300% increase in the sales of the painkillers since 1999. Shocking news is that painkillers are being abused by nearly 12 million people for non-medical reasons according to the figures of 2010.

Experts point out that an increase in the usage of these painkillers could be due to “greater willingness“ to suggest their usage by the medical fraternity. Doctors indulge in “doctor shopping “ to grab their fix.

Dr Drew Pinsky, a drug addiction specialist, had stated “adults and teens alike misperceive prescription drugs as substances that can be used without consequences because they're often coming from doctors rather than street corners”.

Present studies

New researches state glia, which are immune-like cells, influence the body’s reaction to the drugs consumed. Their behavior stands apart from that of the neurons and may prove vital in perception of how reward and pain messages are passed on in the body.

(+)-Naloxone when used with morphine blocked a receptor that is attached to the glial cells, augmenting the pain-relieving characteristic of the drug.

Dr Watkins calls them “volume controls“, "They can turn up pain and they can turn up drug reward, because when they become activated by things like pain, by things like opiates, they start releasing substances that are excitatory, that drive neurons wild."

As the study is in the preliminary stages, a lot more needs to be done. But the fact remains as Dr Watkins affirms, "If you have less opiates, you have less side effects, less abuse potential.”