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National Opioid Crisis Expert, Dynamic Speaker And Author, Dr. John Rosa Writes About How Isolation Can Be Life-Saving And Deadly At The Same Time

Dr. John P. Rosa, opioid crisis expert, author and dynamic speaker writes about how isolation due to the COVID19 Pandemic is derailing efforts to help the people addicted to opioids who are currently in recovery and will no longer be able to get the help they need. For these people isolation could be a death sentence.

ROCKVILLE, MD. April 20, 2020: Owner of Accessible Beltway Clinics and opioid crises expert, Dr. John Rosa, posted a new blog on his website entitled, “The COVID-19 Pandemic Is Making The Opioid Addiction Epidemic Worse.” Dr. Rosa makes a plea for finding a way to help the millions of people addicted to opioids during this challenging time.

Dr. Rosa writes, “When a pandemic that requires people to self-isolate crashes headlong into an ongoing epidemic that is fueled by loneliness and isolation, things are going to get increasingly harmful.” He adds, “And that is exactly what is happening as the COVID-19 pandemic crosses paths with the opioid epidemic.”

“Isolation and loneliness have an overwhelming effect on people who are addicted to drugs and other substances,” says Dr. Rosa. He continues, “It has been shown that many people who feel more socially isolated are the ones who are more susceptible to mental health and substance abuse issues. And, it has been noted that addiction to drugs and alcohol may not just be an effect of isolation but also one of the causes of it.” As Dr. Rosa points out, “Anxiety and isolation will often be the cause of relapse for many who suffer, and it may be a calling to those who have never used to start now.”

Read the entire blog at http://glt.kji.mybluehost.me/the-covid19-pandemic-is-making-the-opioid-addiction-epidemic-worse/

About Dr. John Rosa:

Dr. John Rosa owns and supervises Accessible Beltway Clinics, which is comprised of 17 clinics in Maryland and Virginia that sees over 60,000 patient visits per year. ABC Clinics combine medicine, chiropractic, physical therapy, acupuncture and behavioral medicine to give a comprehensive multidisciplinary approach to pain syndromes and musculoskeletal disorders. Active in sports medicine with consulting/treating athletes in several universities, NBA, MLB, NHL and USA Olympic Basketball. Creator of 24/7 RnR an FDA approved analgesic cream; a proprietary blend of the most potent materials resulting in the most effective product on the market for pain Relief and aiding Recovery. Founder of Accessible Wellness Solutions – an onsite corporate wellness program offering consulting, lectures and management of onsite clinics.

Leader in Chiropractic:

Trustee of New York Chiropractic College for over 15 years serving final 3-year term as Chairman of the Board and given the honor or Board Emeritus post service. Awarded the highest recognitions in Chiropractic Medicine as Fellow of the American Chiropractic Colleges and Fellow of the International Chiropractic Colleges.

Integrative Medicine Specialist:

Current Vice Chair of the Board to Maryland University of Integrative Health
Consultant on Integrative Medicine to hospital cancer center
Reduced opioid prescriptions by 70% by integrating Chiropractic, physical therapy and behavioral medicine in a primary care setting
Expert/Speaker – Educating medical community on the Integrative Medicine approach to treating pain

Opioid Crisis Expert:

White House Surrogate
Law Enforcement Consultant (Homeland Security, CBP, DOJ, DEA and Postal)
State and National Consultant to Opioid Task Forces
Corporate and Professional Organization Consultant
Best-Selling Author®

Community Leadership:

Board member of the National Italian American Foundation
Founder of “Overdose Free America” a nonprofit 501c which uses the power of celebrity and entertainment to bring the Opioid Crisis the visibility and support it deserves

The COVID-19 Pandemic Is Making The Opioid Addiction Epidemic Worse

By Dr. John Rosa

Isolation and loneliness have an overwhelming effect on people who are addicted to drugs and other substances.

It has been shown that many people who feel more socially isolated are the ones who are more susceptible to mental health and substance abuse issues. And, it has been noted that addiction to drugs and alcohol may not just be an effect of isolation but also one of the causes of it. Anxiety and isolation will often be the cause of relapse for many who suffer and it may be a calling to those who have never used to start now.

When a pandemic that requires people to self-isolate crashes headlong into an ongoing epidemic that is fueled by loneliness and isolation, things are going to get increasingly harmful. And that is exactly what is happening as the COVID-19 pandemic crosses paths with the opioid epidemic.

Alternative Therapy

With alternative methods of treating chronic pain, including chiropractic, physical therapy, massage and acupuncture being limited or completely unavailable due to COVID-19, people that have controlled symptoms with no or little medication have nowhere to turn. On top of that, add an overburdened medical system, with every nurse, doctor and other medical professional being called upon to help in this crisis, those who are addicted may be afraid to go to the hospital or urgent care for fear of becoming infected with the virus. There has, however, been in increase in tele-health visits, which is taking pressure off of the healthcare system with in-person encounters. But now a new problem has come up. Due to the “stay-at-home” orders in most states, the doctors are more inclined to prescribe pain killers rather than refer patients for any other kind of treatment.

Catch-22

It’s a definite catch-22 no matter how you look at it. In the pandemic social isolation is going to save lives. In the opioid epidemic social isolation is likely to cause a new addiction, relapse or perhaps even death. I know we have our hands full, but we must find a way to help this very vulnerable segment of our society in the midst of one of our most challenging times.

National Opioid Crisis Expert, Dynamic Speaker And Author, Dr. John Rosa Encourages Individual Responsibility In Light Of The Uncharted Territory We Face

Dr. John P. Rosa, opioid crisis expert, author and dynamic speaker turns his attention to COVID19 and the effect of social isolation on the hundreds and thousands of people addicted to opioids who will no longer be able to attend meetings or receive hands on treatments such as chiropractic and acupuncture.

ROCKVILLE, MD. April 13, 2020: Dr. John Rosa, dynamic speaker, national opioid crises expert, and co-author of The Recipe for Success with Jack Canfield, posted a new article on his website entitled, “The Effect Of COVID19 Pandemic On The Opioid Epidemic,” in which Dr. Rosa acknowledges that unlike gun deaths and opioid deaths, the pandemic cannot be ignored.

According to Dr. Rosa, “The way a nation takes care of all of its citizens is a reflection of that nations’ evolution as human beings.” He adds, “So far, here in the U.S. we don’t get a great score as a global pandemic adds to a score of other challenges.”

Dr. Rosa writes, “We, as a nation have been slogging through an opioid epidemic since the early 1990s that was brought on by the very people who are supposed to be most concerned about the health and well-being of their fellow humans.” He further elaborates, “Efforts to stop the blatant over prescribing of addictive drugs has been slow to non-existent. Even today, if you go to the doctor or even the dentist for a simple ache or pain, the first thing most do is reach for their prescription pad to give you pain killers.” “The point is,” says Dr. Rosa, “we could be doing a lot more and a lot better.”

“Now,” says Dr. Rosa, “here we are in the midst of a virulent global pandemic. And, the big deal about this is that every single person is at risk. This is a reality that cannot be ignored.” He emphasizes, “No one can be judged as being weak or an addict if they get the Coronavirus. Unlike the people who became addicted to a drug that the medical establishment knew was highly addictive.”

Dr. Rosa goes on to say, “Most of us humans are by nature social creatures. During the social distancing and self-isolation required during the COVID19 pandemic, many people will be able to handle the lack of socializing for a while.” He adds, “We have technology that allows us to visit with our friends and loved ones.” He elaborates further, “However, while most of us prepare to hunker down at home and self-isolate with our favorite foods and abundant supplies of toilet paper, there is a segment of the population that will have a very difficult time with social isolation.”

According to Dr. Rosa, “People who are addicted to opioids, alcohol and other drugs and have been attending 12-Step programs will no longer be able to meet and talk about their challenges. For these people, isolation actually feeds addiction. Patients that rely on Chiropractic, physical therapy and acupuncture for pain control are finding it hard to find clinics that haven’t shut their doors. clinics are closed. Relapses are already being reported at a higher rate in just the last few weeks.”

Read the entire article at http://glt.kji.mybluehost.me/the-effect-of-covid19-pandemic-on-the-opioid-epidemic/

About Dr. John Rosa:

Leader in Chiropractic:

Integrative Medicine Specialist:

Current Vice Chair of the Board to Maryland University of Integrative Health
Consultant on Integrative Medicine to hospital cancer center
Reduced opioid prescriptions by 70% by integrating Chiropractic, physical therapy and behavioral medicine in a primary care setting
Expert/Speaker – Educating medical community on the Integrative Medicine approach to treating pain

Opioid Crisis Expert:

White House Surrogate
Law Enforcement Consultant (Homeland Security, CBP, DOJ, DEA and Postal)
State and National Consultant to Opioid Task Forces
Corporate and Professional Organization Consultant
Best-Selling Author®

Community Leadership:

Board member of the National Italian American Foundation
Founder of “Overdose Free America” a nonprofit 501c which uses the power of celebrity and entertainment to bring the Opioid Crisis the visibility and support it deserves

The Effect Of COVID19 Pandemic On The Opioid Epidemic

By Dr. John Rosa

We’re in the midst of a global pandemic.

The way a nation takes care of all of its citizens is a reflection of that nation’s evolution as human beings. So far, here in the U.S. we don’t get a great score as a global pandemic adds to a score of other challenges.

We, as a nation have been slogging through an opioid epidemic since the early 1990s that was brought on by the very people who are supposed to be most concerned about the health and well-being of their fellow humans. Efforts to stop the blatant over prescribing of addictive drugs has been slow and in some medical specialties not at all. Even today, if you go to the doctor or even the dentist for a simple ache or pain, the first thing most do is reach for their prescription pad to give you pain killers. The point is, we could be doing a lot more.

Now, here we are in the midst of a virulent global pandemic. And, the big deal about this is that every single person is at risk. This is a reality that cannot be ignored. No one can be judged as being weak or an addict if they get the Coronavirus. Unlike the people who became addicted to a drug that the medical establishment knew was highly addictive.

Social Isolation More Difficult For Those In Recovery

Most of us humans are by nature social creatures. During the social distancing and self-isolation required during the COVID19 pandemic, many people will be able to handle the lack of socializing for a while. We have technology that allows us to visit with our friends and loved ones. However, while most of us prepare to hunker down at home and self-isolate with our favorite foods and healthy supplies of toilet paper, there is a segment of the population that will have a very difficult time with social isolation.

People who are addicted to opioids, alcohol and other drugs and have been attending 12-Step programs will no longer be able to meet and talk about their challenges. For these people, isolation actually feeds addiction. Patients that rely on Chiropractic, physical therapy and acupuncture for pain control are finding it hard to find clinics that haven’t shut their doors. Relapses are already being reported at a higher rate in just the last few weeks.

A Global Pandemic On Top Of An Opioid Epidemic

We are in a strange, historic time and critically important time. Who knows how this situation is going to evolve? Lives will continue to be lost as a result of both COVID19 and drug overdoses. It is thought that the COVID19 virus will eventually stop spreading, as viruses do. Though we don’t know how long it will take for it to run its course. However, the opioid epidemic will still be with us and unfortunately the likelihood is that it could be more virulent than ever.

I pray for the safety and well-being of everyone during these unprecedented times. My heart goes out to all those who have fallen due to COVID19 and to their families. I pray for the safety of all those on the front lines who serve in the hospitals, the police and other public servants, supermarkets and other essential services personnel. I thank you for your courageous service.

And I pray for all of those who continue to suffer the pain of addiction. Please stay well and safe.

National Opioid Crisis Expert, Dynamic Speaker And Author, Dr. John Rosa Talks About The Alarming Number Of Toddlers Exposed To Pharmaceutical Drugs

Dr. John P. Rosa, opioid crisis expert, author and dynamic talks about the tragedy of toddlers being exposed to opioid and other OTC medications when in the care of grandparents and how these young children end up permanently damaged or worse as a result.

ROCKVILLE, MD. March 27, 2020: Owner of Accessible Beltway Clinics and opioid crises expert, Dr. John Rosa, posted a new blog on his website entitled, “65,000 Toddlers A Year Exposed To Drugs And Many Die As A Result,” in which Dr. Rosa urges anyone who cares for young children to be especially careful with keeping their medications safely out of reach.

Dr. Rosa states, “Very young children, I’m talking about toddlers, are being irreversibly harmed and/or are dying at an alarming rate due to the fact that they are getting access to drugs intended for their parents or grandparents.”

According to Dr. Rosa, “In a recent Mercola article entitled “Pediatric Drug Deaths On The Rise,” it was said that, “The Journal of Pediatrics reviewed patient records from the National Poison Data System of the American Association of Poison Control Centers.” He continues adding, “In that review the records showed “that 453,559 children aged 5 or younger were admitted to a health care facility following exposure to a potentially toxic dose of a pharmaceutical drug between 2001 and 2008.”

Dr. Rosa writes, “The percentage of people over 60 that are on several medications is alarming in itself but when you think about how many of them care for their grandchildren you can imagine my concern.” He goes on to add, “The labeled, days-of-the-week pill boxes are given to the majority of these people and what scares me is that it looks like a child’s toy with snapping plastic compartments with pretty colored objects inside.”s

Read the entire blog at http://glt.kji.mybluehost.me/65000-toddlers-a-year-exposed-to-drugs-and-many-die-as-a-result/

About Dr. John Rosa:

Leader in Chiropractic:

Integrative Medicine Specialist:

Current Vice Chair of the Board to Maryland University of Integrative Health
Consultant on Integrative Medicine to hospital cancer center
Reduced opioid prescriptions by 70% by integrating Chiropractic, physical therapy and behavioral medicine in a primary care setting
Expert/Speaker – Educating medical community on the Integrative Medicine approach to treating pain

Opioid Crisis Expert:

White House Surrogate
Law Enforcement Consultant (Homeland Security, CBP, DOJ, DEA and Postal)
State and National Consultant to Opioid Task Forces
Corporate and Professional Organization Consultant
Best-Selling Author®

Community Leadership:

Board member of the National Italian American Foundation
Founder of “Overdose Free America” a nonprofit 501c which uses the power of celebrity and entertainment to bring the Opioid Crisis the visibility and support it deserves

65,000 Toddlers A Year Exposed To Drugs And Many Die As A Result

By Dr. John Rosa

Prescription drugs can affect more than those who have them prescribed.

Very young children, I’m talking about toddlers, are being irreversibly harmed and/or are dying at an alarming rate due to the fact that they are getting access to drugs intended for their parents or grandparents.

In a recent Mercola article entitled “Pediatric Drug Deaths On The Rise,” it was said that, “The Journal of Pediatrics reviewed patient records from the National Poison Data System of the American Association of Poison Control Centers.” In that review the records showed “that 453,559 children aged 5 or younger were admitted to a health care facility following exposure to a potentially toxic dose of a pharmaceutical drug between 2001 and 2008.”

According to the article, “Forty-three percent of all children admitted to the hospital after accidentally ingesting medication ended up in the intensive care unit, and prescription (opposed to over-the-counter) medications were responsible for 71% of serious injuries, with opioids, sedative-hypnotics and cardiovascular drugs topping the list of drugs causing serious harm.”

Think About the Consequences

The percentage of people over 60 that are on several medications is alarming in itself but when you think about how many of them care for their grandchildren you can imagine my concern. The labeled, days-of-the-week pill boxes are given to the majority of these people and what scares me is that it looks like a child’s toy with snapping plastic compartments with pretty colored objects inside.

Be Extra Cautious

If you are the parent or grandparent of young children, please be extra careful with your medications. Make sure you keep your medications safely stored away from where any child could get them. That means, somewhere other than the night stand. In addition, be sure to keep the Poison Help number in your phone, and make sure your babysitter or caregiver has it. In the U.S., the Poison Help number is 800-222-1222. If you suspect your child has taken a prescription or OTC medication, even if he or she is not yet exhibiting symptoms, call the Poison Help line immediately.

National Opioid Crisis Expert, Dynamic Speaker And Author, Dr. John Rosa Encourages Families And Communities To Keep Talking About Solutions

Dr. John P. Rosa, opioid crisis expert, author and dynamic speaker wants to keep the opioid crisis conversation going to convince those who’ve been devastated by the crisis, as well as the makers, prescribers and regulators to do whatever possible to stem the problem and prevent it from continuing to wreak havoc.

ROCKVILLE, MD. March 2, 2020: Dr. John Rosa, dynamic speaker, national opioid crisis expert, and co-author of The Recipe for Success with Jack Canfield, posted a new article on his website entitled, “The Opioid Epidemic Won’t Go Away If We Ignore It,” in which Dr. Rosa encourages talking and taking action.

Dr. Rosa says, “Many of us humans have a tendency to stick our heads in the sand when the going gets rough, hoping that whatever problem we are avoiding will disappear. The opioid epidemic is not going to go away no matter how we try to ignore it.”

“Chances are,” says Dr. Rosa, “the opioid epidemic has wreaked havoc in your home or community. If it has hit close to home,” he asks, “do you feel helpless in the face of this devastating epidemic?” He continues adding, “Those who have been left in its wake are the ones who are most likely to take some kind of action. But, we all have a responsibility to do something to help our children and loved ones avoid or turn away from the devastation of opioid abuse in order to save their lives. But how? Where do we begin?”

Dr. Rosa suggests, “Talking about possible solutions might be a good starting place. Discussing other methods for dealing with pain could be another. Both of these topics, as well as many others help people who have been adversely affected by the opioid crisis feel as if they are doing something. And that feels better than doing nothing.”

Dr. Rosa poses, “What can your community do to create greater interest in helping to solve the problem?” He states, “We need to get to the children. We need to get into the schools and speak about the crisis to the children. We have to inspire the kids to stay away from drugs and to help their friends who may have already started on the path to destruction.”

According to Dr. Rosa, “As parents we must make sure our medicine cabinets are cleared of old pain pills and other drugs that kids may be tempted to experiment with. We have to talk about this uncomfortable topic and be vigilant in looking for signs of drug use in our kids. Making kids angry is far better than watching them die. So, don’t be afraid to talk about drug use with them.”

Dr. Rosa emphasizes, “Nothing can compensate for the loss of a child or other loved one.” He reminds readers, “This epidemic affects all ages, socioeconomic classes, races and religions. Opioid Use Disorder is rampant throughout the country and among high functioning professionals.”

Read the entire article at http://glt.kji.mybluehost.me/the-opioid-epidemic-wont-go-away-if-we-ignore-it/

About Dr. John Rosa:

Leader in Chiropractic:

Integrative Medicine Specialist:

Current Vice Chair of the Board to Maryland University of Integrative Health
Consultant on Integrative Medicine to hospital cancer center
Reduced opioid prescriptions by 70% by integrating Chiropractic, physical therapy and behavioral medicine in a primary care setting
Expert/Speaker – Educating medical community on the Integrative Medicine approach to treating pain

Opioid Crisis Expert:

White House Surrogate
Law Enforcement Consultant (Homeland Security, CBP, DOJ, DEA and Postal)
State and National Consultant to Opioid Task Forces
Corporate and Professional Organization Consultant
Best-Selling Author®

Community Leadership:

Board member of the National Italian American Foundation
Founder of “Overdose Free America” a nonprofit 501c which uses the power of celebrity and entertainment to bring the Opioid Crisis the visibility and support it deserves
Volunteer at Crossroads Freedom Center – a residential facility in Maryland to help overcome addiction

The Opioid Epidemic Won’t Go Away If We Ignore It

By Dr. John Rosa

Chances are the opioid epidemic has wreaked havoc in your home or community.

If it has hit close to home do you feel helpless in the face of this devastating epidemic? We humans tend to stick our heads in the sand when the going gets rough, hoping that whatever problem we are avoiding will disappear.

The opioid epidemic is not going to go away no matter how we try to ignore it. Those who have been left in its wake are the ones who are most likely to take some kind of action. But, we all have a responsibility to do something to help our children and loved ones avoid or turn away from the devastation of opioid abuse in order to save their lives. But how? Where do we begin?

Talking Might Help

Talking about possible solutions might be a good starting place. Discussing other methods for dealing with pain could be another. Both of these topics, as well as many others help people who have been adversely affected by the opioid crisis feel as if they are doing something. And that feels better than doing nothing.

Community Outreach

What can your community do to create greater interest in helping to solve the problem?

We need to get to the children. We need to get into the schools and speak about the crisis to the children. We have to inspire the kids to stay away from drugs and to help their friends who may have already started on the path to destruction.

Make Sure You Aren’t Contributing To The Problem

As parents we must make sure our medicine cabinets are cleared of old pain pills and other drugs that kids may be tempted to experiment with. We have to talk about this uncomfortable topic and be vigilant in looking for signs of drug use in our kids. Making kids angry is far better than watching them die. So, don’t be afraid to talk about drug use with them.

Nothing can compensate for the loss of a child or other loved one. This epidemic affects all ages, socioeconomic classes, races and religions. Opioid Use Disorder is rampant throughout the country and among high functioning professionals.

The Same Thing Happened 100 Years Ago

Back in the 1890’s, Bayer, the aspirin maker marketed heroin in the same way opioids have been marketed in the current opioid epidemic. “Bayer targeted physicians, which led to hundreds of favorable clinical papers, “a form of advertising that would be reprinted in myriad newspapers and magazines. The Boston Medical and Surgical Journal gushed: “Heroin possesses many advantages. It’s not hypnotic and there’s no danger of acquiring a habit.””

Sounds very familiar. The sad truth is that there are many co-conspirators who are not facing the burden of responsibility for the current epidemic. I’m talking about the physicians as well as the regulators who failed to do their duty and protect the public.

Let’s Keep Talking

If we talk about it enough, maybe the regulators will get the message and do their job instead of lining their pockets while so many innocent people die. If you, or someone you love is dependent or addicted to opioid drugs, please seek help before it’s too late. If you would like to learn more about the Opioid Crisis as it relates to awareness, prevention and treatment or schedule a corporate or organization seminar contact us at DrJohnRosa.com. Here you will learn how to connect you, your company or organization with the leading experts on the crisis and how to help your community stay safe.

National Opioid Crisis Expert, Dynamic Speaker And Author, Dr. John Rosa Writes About The Impactful Netflix Documentary The Pharmacist

Dr. John P. Rosa, opioid crisis expert, author and dynamic speaker shares his thoughts on the new Netflix documentary series, The Pharmacist which explores a father’s journey after the overdose death of his son.

ROCKVILLE, MD. February 21, 2020: Owner of Accessible Beltway Clinics and opioid crises expert, Dr. John Rosa, posted a new blog on his website entitled, “The Pharmacist And The Pain That Never Goes Away,” in which Dr. Rosa discusses a new Netflix documentary series.

As Dr. Rosa points out, “People react differently to tragedy.” He continues adding, “Unfortunately hundreds of thousands of parents have been in the position of reacting to the tragedy of losing a child to the opioid crisis that has been ravaging this country since the late 1990’s. Most of those parents were helpless and didn’t know what to do. In drug overdose situations there often seems like there is nothing that can be done.”

“Some of the children may not have died from an overdose,” Dr. Rosa writes, elaborating, “Some of them may have been killed attempting to get drugs in dangerous neighborhoods. Such was the case that is brought to light in a documentary series recently produced by Netflix.”

According to Dr. Rosa, “The documentary poses some intense and important questions. For instance, “What would you do if your child was killed in a drug deal and the cops were less than helpful? Would you be paralyzed with grief, shaking your head at the idea that your kid was an addict, or something else?” As the documentary series portrays, “One pharmacist in Louisiana took it upon himself to find his son’s killer, and after that was over, took what he learned and decided to fight a Big Pharma company that was making more young people into addicts.”

Read the entire blog at http://glt.kji.mybluehost.me/the-pharmacist-and-the-pain-that-never-goes-away/

About Dr. John P. Rosa

Dr. Rosa is the Owner/manager of 14 health clinics in the Baltimore/Washington DC metro areas concentrating on musculoskeletal injuries of acute, subacute and chronic nature. He oversees the Integrative Medicine practice group which includes general medicine, Chiropractic, physical therapy, acupuncture and behavioral medicine that sees over 60,000 patient visits per year.

Active in sports medicine with consulting/treating college, professional and Olympic athletes. Creator of 24/7 RnR (Relief and aiding Recovery) an FDA approved analgesic cream. Founder of Accessible Wellness Solutions – an onsite corporate wellness program offering consulting, lectures and clinic management.

Leader in Chiropractic

Trustee of New York Chiropractic College for over 15 years and serving final 3-year term as Chairman of the Board.

Opioid Crisis Expert:

White House Surrogate/Consultant
Law Enforcement Consultant (Homeland Security, CBP, DOJ, DEA and Postal)
State and National Consultant to Opioid Task Forces
Corporate and professional organization consultant
Currently forming the Opioid Abuse Prevention Institute

Integrative Medicine Specialist:

Board service to Maryland University of Integrative Health
Consultant on Integrative Medicine to hospital cancer center
Reduced opioid prescriptions by 70% by integrating Chiropractic, physical therapy and behavioral medicine in a primary care setting
Expert/Speaker – educating primary care, urgent care and hospital medical staff on the Integrative Medicine approach to treating pain patients

The Pharmacist And The Pain That Never Goes Away

By Dr. John Rosa

People react differently to tragedy.

Unfortunately hundreds of thousands of parents have been in the position of reacting to the tragedy of losing a child to the opioid crisis that has been ravaging this country since the late 1990’s. Most of those parents were helpless and didn’t know what to do. In drug overdose situations there often seems like there is nothing that can be done.

The Pharmacist on Netflix

Some of the children may not have died from an overdose. Some of them may have been killed attempting to get drugs in dangerous neighborhoods. Such was the case that is brought to light in a documentary series recently produced by Netflix.

The documentary poses some intense and important questions. For instance, “What would you do if your child was killed in a drug deal and the cops were less than helpful? Would you be paralyzed with grief, shaking your head at the idea that your kid was an addict, or something else?” As the documentary series portrays, “One pharmacist in Louisiana took it upon himself to find his son’s killer, and after that was over, took what he learned and decided to fight a Big Pharma company that was making more young people into addicts.”

Stream It or Skip It

The Pharmacist may be too difficult to watch for anyone who has lost a child to opioids. But for everyone else, I beg you to watch this series. It shows how easily people can become addicted to these dangerous drugs. It also shows how the grief of losing a child never goes away. You may find a small sense of comfort in seeing one family take action to help save lives. You may be inspired to take action in your community to help in some way. In my opinion, it’s important for every person to be aware of the crisis that is killing so many people of all ages. This series does a great job.