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Why My Stepsons’ Father Killed Himself http://www.nationalreview.com/article/444416/my-stepsons-father-killed-himself-painkillers-denied-life-not-worth-living The government has made it almost impossible to prescribe desperately needed painkillers. Last week, my two stepsons’ father, a man who loved life, killed himself. I would like to tell you why. Two years ago, a 62-year-old father of three named Bruce Graham was standing on a ladder, […]
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Did Walgreens’ Rewards Program Cheat You? http://finance.yahoo.com/news/did-walgreens-rewards-program-cheat-075857629.html Walgreens misinformed consumers about its loyalty rewards program, potentially swindling them out of millions of dollars in earned benefits, according to a report by ConsumerWorld.org. ConsumerWorld.org — which describes itself as a “public service consumer resource guide” — recently completed a two-year review of Walgreens’ Balance Rewards program […]
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Controversial Kratom Growing in Popularity http://www.empr.com/features/kratom-extract-opioid-compound-dea-fda/article/634849/ A complex, poorly understood plant product, kratom, or Mitragyna speciosa, has recently burst onto the American stage in a big way and gained the attention of the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA), as well as the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA). Mitragynine, the dominant alkaloid in the compound, has […]
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Opioid Use Disorder a Solvable Problem Newer therapy options can really help, says former House Speaker Newt Gingrich http://www.medpagetoday.com/Psychiatry/Addictions/60212 Newt Gingrich, former speaker of the House of Representatives, has long had an interest in brain science mental health issues; in 1996 he worked with then-Sen. Pete Domenici (R-N.M.) to pass a mental health parity law […]
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Pain Medication: Are You Addicted? What to know about becoming addicted to pain medications. http://www.webmd.com/pain-management/features/pain-medication-addiction#1 Many people taking medication to control chronic pain are afraid they’ll become addicted to those drugs. Some people do become addicted, and the results can be devastating. But there are ways to limit your risk. Candy Pitcher of Cary, N.C., […]
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Wisconsin’s opioid response anemic, critics say http://www.startribune.com/wisconsin-s-opioid-response-anemic-critics-say/412083963/ MADISON, Wis. — Opioids are still killing people by the hundreds in Wisconsin even though legislators have passed nearly 20 bills to curb addiction over the last three years, prompting critics to demand lawmakers think bigger and pump more money into the fight. Gov. Scott Walker has called […]
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Illinois pushes stricter rules on pharmacy consultations http://www.wsiltv.com/story/34338052/illinois-pushes-stricter-rules-on-pharmacy-consultations Mandatory Pharmacist consultation has been the law of the land since 1990 ! WSIL — Illinois is considering new rules meant to keep people informed about the prescription pills they take. Governor Bruce Rauner wants pharmacists to better inform patients about side effects when using multiple prescriptions. His […]
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Here’s How To Make Sure Congress Hears You http://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/contacting-your-congressional-representative_us_582a0965e4b060adb56f8e95 The results of this year’s presidential election have been incredibly polarizing. If you’re in the camp of feeling helpless or overwhelmed, countless people have spoken up to highlight ways you can take action and move forward. Emily Ellsworth is one of them. A freelance writer, editor and […]
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VA doctors freely handed out pain medications to veterans for years. Then they stopped. The results have sometimes turned tragic. http://www.startribune.com/cut-off-veterans-struggle-to-live-with-va-s-new-painkiller-policy/311225761/ Story by Mark Brunswick, Photographs by Brian Peterson Star Tribune July 12, 2015 — 12:00PM WORST-CASE: Iraq veterans Zach Williams and Ryan Trunzo overdosed after battling chronic pain and withdrawls from pain medication. Zach […]
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VA kicks vets off pain meds in favor of alternatives like yoga and acupuncture, but it’s not keeping up with the desperate demand. http://www.startribune.com/the-new-goal-at-the-va-treating-the-root-causes-of-veterans-pain/311225971/ VA kicks vets off pain meds in favor of alternatives like yoga and acupuncture, but it’s not keeping up with the desperate demand. Story by Mark Brunswick, Photographs by Brian Peterson […]
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