Pseudo-Addiction Sounds About As Plausible A Phrase As Fake News

The term “pseudo-addiction” was coined back in 1989 by Dr. David Weissman and James Haddox, an employee of Purdue Pharma, to describe a case of “a 17-year-old male with leukemia, pneumonia, and chest wall pain.  The patient displayed behaviors (moaning, grimacing, increasing requests for analgesics) wrongly interpreted by the physicians and nurses as indicators of addiction, rather than of inadequately treated pain. The term pseudo-addiction is not a diagnosis, but rather a way to describe a phenomenon about the attitudes and motivation of clinicians in managing pain through our fears and misunderstanding of pain, pain treatment, and addiction.”

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/2710565/

As a chiropractor who has been treating patients with pain for decades, I’m appalled that Purdue Pharma decided that clinicians’ “fears and misunderstanding of pain and pain treatment” required such nomenclature. However, the term is more commonly applied to describe patients – not the attitudes of their clinicians – who would, according to pharmaceutical companies, be better served by being given more opioids.

Let me break this down for you. Let’s start by examining the word itself.

The prefix pseudo- (from Greek ψευδής, pseudes, “lying, false”) is used to mark something that superficially appears to be (or behaves like) one thing but is something else. Subject to context, pseudo may connote coincidence, imitation, intentional deception, or a combination thereof.

Addiction is defined as a chronic, relapsing disorder characterized by compulsive drug seeking, continued use despite harmful consequences, and long-lasting changes in the brain. It is considered both a complex brain disorder and a mental illness.

Pseudo-addiction is a term coined in 1989 to describe the phenomenon of patients with pain being under-treated. The idea is that patients with legitimate pain that could be alleviated with opioid painkillers exhibit drug-seeking behavior that is misinterpreted as addiction.

So, if these patients are not addicted, they are clearly “dependent” on opioids. So, let’s look at the meaning of dependence. While addiction is classified as a disease, dependence is a state of being physically dependent on a certain substance. Addiction is rooted in your brain, but dependence occurs when your body as a whole becomes used to the effects of a drug and goes into withdrawal if you stop using that substance.

My question is this: how can anyone legitimately separate the “brain” from the “body as a whole”? How can one say that long-lasting changes in the brain are any different than when “the body as a whole becomes used to the effects of a drug and goes into withdrawal?”

Pseudo-addiction is a manufactured lie to confuse and rationalize the over-prescription of opioids. This is a subject I will be writing about again soon because it is such twisted terminology that is used to pull the wool over the eyes of the unsuspecting public.

Keeping People Sick And In Pain Is A Multi-Trillion Dollar Business

By Dr. John Rosa

Our so-called “health system” is actually a misnomer. In fact, the mainstream medical industry is alive, well, and thriving by keeping people sick and in pain. Let me paint the picture for you by starting with a few well-known facts.

First, in 2017, global expenditures for healthcare exceeded $7.8 trillion, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). Secondly, you are probably very aware that there are people in this world who are willing to kill other human beings whether during a robbery among strangers or very often a spouse, ‘friend’, or relative for a few dollars. So, it doesn’t take a leap of imagination to conclude that there are many people who will do anything, especially when they never have to come face-to-face with their victims, for a big piece of a multi-trillion-dollar pie. You may be able to more clearly understand now that keeping people healthy is not quite as lucrative as keeping them unhealthy.

 

Suppression Versus Progression

Now, let me present a little history for you from an article at PainTreatment.com. Way back when – I’m talking the 1600’s – the Salem Witch Trials were the first effort at suppressing health practices in the U.S. It’s a fairly well-known and documented fact, which is stated in a recent article I came across in Alternative Pain Treatment Directory, that, “The women who were tried and executed were herbalists who were accused of practicing “the Devil’s magic.” https://www.paintreatmentdirectory.com/posts/suppression-of-alternative-medicine-is-killing-us

A couple of hundred years later, homeopathy was developed in Germany. As the aforementioned article explains, “Homeopathy is based on extreme dilutions of natural substances that trigger the body’s healing response and it became wildly popular because it worked and because it was so much gentler than common treatments of the time, which included bloodletting, chloroform, and mercury. Homeopathy proved much more effective than conventional treatment during the cholera epidemics of 1832 and 1849. By the end of the 19th century, there were 44 homeopathic medical schools and more than 100 homeopath-supervised hospitals in the U.S. In the deadly flu epidemic of 1918, 25-50 million people died, while deaths of people treated with homeopathy were rare.” https://www.paintreatmentdirectory.com/posts/suppression-of-alternative-medicine-is-killing-us

Another fact the article reveals is that, “homeopaths created the first medical association in the U.S. back in 1844. However, once the American Medical Association (AMA) was created three years later, the article points out that, “one of its first actions was to ban homeopaths from becoming members and expelling any members who dared to even consult with a homeopath. In 1910, the Flexner Report, commissioned by the Carnegie Foundation and supported by the Rockefeller family, resulted in standardizing the practice of medicine in a way that virtually eliminated homeopathic medicine. All the homeopathic hospitals and medical schools were forced to close.”

https://www.paintreatmentdirectory.com/posts/suppression-of-alternative-medicine-is-killing-us

The story continues. “After homeopathy was effectively squelched, the AMA came after chiropractors. The chiropractic profession was founded in the United States in 1895. During the first half of the twentieth century, with the active encouragement of the AMA, many chiropractors were prosecuted for practicing medicine without a license and many went to jail. The AMA founded the Committee on Quackery in 1963. The committee had the avowed goal of creating a health care monopoly that would eliminate the chiropractic profession. Because chiropractic made little use of technology and no use of drugs, the profession had no strong financial allies. Meanwhile, the AMA had access to the deep pockets of the pharmaceutical industry to further its goals. AMA members faced expulsion from the association not only for referring to chiropractors but even for belonging to the same country club or church or synagogue—association was strictly prohibited. As a result, chiropractors faced discrimination in not only their professional life but also their personal life.” https://www.paintreatmentdirectory.com/posts/suppression-of-alternative-medicine-is-killing-us

In 1976, five chiropractors sued the AMA for libel. The suit also included as codefendants the American Hospital Association, the American College of Surgeons, the American College of Physicians, and the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Hospitals. Eleven years later, a federal appellate court judge ruled that the AMA had engaged in a “lengthy, systematic, successful, and unlawful boycott” designed to restrict cooperation between MDs and chiropractors to eliminate the chiropractic profession as a competitor in the US health care system. In recent years, continued misinformation campaigns and insurance coverage restrictions (including fees that have not increased in four decades, visit limitations, and unreasonable paperwork demands), continue to undermine the practice of chiropractic. https://www.paintreatmentdirectory.com/posts/suppression-of-alternative-medicine-is-killing-us

I recommend reading the entire article if you’re interested in learning more about the suppression of alternative health care options and more effective ways of healing people throughout the ages. It goes into much more depth about cancer treatment as well. In the meantime, if you really desire health without taking drugs or undergoing surgeries, look into more alternative forms of healing.

National Opioid Crisis Expert, Dynamic Speaker And Author, Dr. John Rosa Suggests A Show About Making Billions Of Dollars While Committing Mass Murder.

Dr. John P. Rosa, national opioid crisis expert, author and dynamic speaker, writes about how the Purdue Pharma Sackler family got away with mass serial murder and provides a step-by-step guide to how it was done.

ROCKVILLE, MD. November 23, 2020: Owner of Accessible Beltway Clinics and opioid crises expert, Dr. John Rosa, posted a new blog on his website entitled, How To Get Away With Mass Serial Murder And Make Billions.  Dr. Rosa has written a tongue-in-cheek piece about a very serious and deadly subject…

Dr. Rosa states, “I am aware there is a popular show that streams on Netflix called How To Get Away With Murder, in which a successful attorney teaches a university-level law course. Well,” he continues, “how about a show about a family that plays a leading role in the deaths of roughly 150 people every day? The death toll began in the late 1990s and by 2017, the annual death toll directly linked to this family was a mere 70,237.”

“The family I’m talking about,” says Dr. Rosa, “is the real-life Sackler family, the Purdue Pharma makers and marketers of the opioid oxycontin. Facing 2,600 different lawsuits, this family got off free and clear and are still allowed to make pills that supposedly help those addicted to oxycontin while making even more money in the process.”

Dr. Rosa outlines a roughly 4-step process, and concludes with “Oh, and one more thing, you must maintain an absolutely remorseless demeanor.”

 

Read the entire blog at http://glt.kji.mybluehost.me/how-to-get-away-with-mass-serial-murder-and-make-billions/

 

About John P. 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
  • Volunteer at Crossroads Freedom Center – a residential facility in Maryland to help overcome addiction

 

###

How To Get Away With Mass Serial Murder And Make Billions

By Dr. John Rosa

I am aware there is a popular show that streams on Netflix called How To Get Away With Murder, in which a successful attorney teaches a university-level law course. Well, how about a show about a family that plays a leading role in the deaths of roughly 150 people every day?

The death toll began in the late 1990s and by 2017, the annual death toll directly linked to this family was a mere 70,237.

The family I’m talking about is the real-life Sackler family, the Purdue Pharma makers and marketers of the opioid oxycontin. Facing 2,600 different lawsuits, this family got off free and clear and are still allowed to make pills that supposedly help those addicted to oxycontin while making even more money in the process.

So, how to do it…First of all, make a highly addictive pill. Next, misdirect the entire medical community, be very clear when telling them that your pills are not addictive. Then blame the people who are addicted to your product. Pronounce that all of the people dying from opioids “were already addicts and that this wouldn’t happen to people (patients) who were not already addicted to drugs.” And, very importantly direct all of the blame to the people in your very own “marketing department.” Claim ignorance. Deny vehemently that you had any idea what they were doing.

Here’s the most important step, when you know you’re close to getting caught – 2,600 lawsuits are a fairly clear indication that someone’s coming after you — declare bankruptcy and move all of your company’s money overseas and into the accounts of individual family members.

Oh, and one more thing, you must maintain an absolutely remorseless demeanor. If you’d rather not wait for the show to be made and come to Netflix, you can read about the real life story here: https://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2020/11/04/purdue-pharma-pleads-guilty.aspx

No One Is Immune To The Growing COVID-19 Mental Health Crisis

By Dr. John Rosa

The fear of getting the virus is stressful enough. Add to that the disruption in lifestyle, the social distancing, the inability to travel freely, the quarantining, the mandate to wear masks in public, the inability to go to the office, the unemployment, the financial stress. I could go on, but I think you get the point. All of these things add up to tremendous emotional and mental stress.A COVID-19-related mental health crisis is building like a tsunami wave and it’s going to cost even more lives as it continues to grow. Let’s face it, life is stressful. Everyone experiences stressful periods. However, when stress lasts for extended periods of time, the effects on mental health can be devastating. The world has been living with the presence of COVID-19 for nearly one year. That’s a long time to live under duress.

 

Everyone Is Vulnerable

A recent time.com article speaks to the growing concern around this issue. The article states, “While the physical symptoms caused by the virus may disappear in weeks, people will continue to suffer the impact of grief, anxiety and depression for months or even years. In addition to healthcare workers, those most at risk are older people, adolescents, people with pre-existing mental health conditions and those already caught up in conflict and crisis.” https://time.com/5839553/un-action-mental-health-crisis/

Men and women in recovery from opioid use and abuse are especially vulnerable. Here in the states, as well as in other parts of the world, COVID-19 has led to cuts in mental health services and the closure of many facilities.

According to some sources, there have already been 60% of Americans reporting negative mental health impacts since the beginning of the pandemic. One article I read says that the adverse effects a pandemic has on mental health can last one to three years after the end of the pandemic. We have no idea how close we are to the end of COVID-19. We do however know that substance abuse is on the rise, as are thoughts of self-harm and suicide. A recent study shows that 25% of all adults are reporting having symptoms of depression.

https://talkbusiness.net/2020/09/covids-second-curve-protecting-our-mental-health/

 

Focus On Self-Care 

It’s perfectly normal to feel stressed and/or overwhelmed during uncertain times. The Mayo Clinic suggests some self-care tips that will help with your mental health during these stressful times. In addition to the tips below provided by the Mayo Clinic, be alert to signs of depression, the desire to drink or thoughts of taking a pill to ease the anxiety you’re experiencing. Be aware that substance use and abuse is likely to increase during tough times. Turn to your trusted sources for support and provide support to others when you can. Remember that no one is immune to the effects of prolonged emotional and mental stress.

 

Tips For Mental Self-Care 

  • Set and maintain a routine at home.
  • Focus on things you can control.
  • Use technology to maintain social connections with your loved ones. Consider a regular check-in schedule to give you something to look forward to.
  • Focus your thoughts on the present and things to be grateful for today.
  • Listen to music or read books.
  • Consume reliable news sources that report facts and avoid media that sensationalizes emotions. •Limit your exposure or take a break from news and social media if you find that it makes you anxious.
  • Lean on your personal beliefs and faith for support.
  • Look for ways to help your community, such as blood donations, checking on older people in your neighborhood, or donating supplies or money to local organizations.
  • Acknowledge and appreciate what others are doing to help you and your community.

https://www.mayoclinichealthsystem.org/hometown-health/speaking-of-health/self-care-tips-during-the-covid-19-pandemic

 

National Opioid Crisis Expert, Dynamic Speaker And Author, Dr. John Rosa Encourages Readers To Take Stock Of And Strengthen Inner Attributes.

opioid crisis

Dr. John P. Rosa, national opioid crisis expert, author and dynamic speaker writes about the attributes of recovery and resilience and suggests that they are both processes that can continuously be developed and strengthened throughout life.

 ROCKVILLE, MD. September 29, 2020: Owner of Accessible Beltway Clinics and opioid crises expert, Dr. John Rosa, posted a new blog on his website entitled, Recovery Is Resilience, in which Dr. Rosa talks about the inner qualities that cultivate resilience.

Dr. Rosa states, “Recovery is a process. So is resilience.”  He goes on to add, “In fact, you can’t have one without the other! Both, recovery and resilience are processes that ultimately blossom into life’s most useful skills. No matter where you are in your recovery, resilience can continuously be fine-tuned.”

“The quality of resilience,” says Dr. Rosa, “has been defined as “the ability to mentally or emotionally cope with a crisis or to return to pre-crisis status quickly. Resilience exists when the person uses “mental processes and behaviors in promoting personal assets and protecting self from the potential negative effects of stressors.” https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Psychological_resilience

As Dr. Rosa points out, “Without question, everyone, whether in recovery or not, can benefit from taking stock of their inner reserves during these difficult times and turn their attention to developing greater resilience. For those of you in recovery,” he encourages, “do not despair. There are very specific actions you can take – echoing the steps toward recovery – that will carry you forward and strengthen your resilience. All behaviors can be exercised, and like muscles, these behaviors, when consciously exercised will be strengthened in your daily life.”

 

Read the entire blog at http://glt.kji.mybluehost.me/recovery-is-resilience/

 

About John P. 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
  • Volunteer at Crossroads Freedom Center – a residential facility in Maryland to help overcome addiction

 

###

 

 

Recovery Is Resilience

By Dr. John Rosa

Recovery is a process. So is resilience. In fact, you can’t have one without the other! Both, recovery and resilience are processes that ultimately blossom into life’s most useful skills. No matter where you are in your recovery, resilience can continuously be fine-tuned.

 

The quality of resilience has been defined as “the ability to mentally or emotionally cope with a crisis or to return to pre-crisis status quickly. Resilience exists when the person uses “mental processes and behaviors in promoting personal assets and protecting self from the potential negative effects of stressors.” https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Psychological_resilience

 

Without question, everyone, whether in recovery or not, can benefit from taking stock of their inner reserves during these difficult times and turn their attention to developing greater resilience. For those of you in recovery, do not despair. There are very specific actions you can take – echoing the steps toward recovery – that will carry you forward and strengthen your resilience. All behaviors can be exercised, and like muscles, these behaviors, when consciously exercised will be strengthened in your daily life. (See the article I wrote entitled Exceptionally Challenging Times Require Greater Resilience For Those In Recovery.)

 

Remember that you have what you need within to get through this pandemic. You have capacities that do not depend on anyone outside of you. You have adaptability, courage, perseverance, a sense of humor, resourcefulness, gratitude and other attributes that have carried you through in the past. All of these attributes are aspects of resilience. So it’s important that you actively cultivate an awareness of your personal strengths and resources.  Focus on these attributes. Remember how they have helped you get through past difficulties. Let those memories motivate you and look into your future and see yourself functioning capably, clearly and confidently. Imagine how you will be able to help others tap into their inner strength and develop the ability to change as well and face whatever challenges life has in store for them.

 

When you are in recovery from substance abuse, you need to believe in your own inner strength and abilities. You might never have gone through anything quite like this before – none of us has – and many people are uncertain and fearful. But that’s to be expected. But keeping the whole picture in mind, knowing you have capabilities that can be strengthened like a muscle will carry you through. You can do this. You are resilient.

 

Exceptionally Challenging Times Require Greater Resilience For Those In Recovery

By Dr. John Rosa

Addiction experts agree that recovery is challenging whenever it is undertaken during normal life circumstances. But, when even the most sober and rock-steady humans begin to feel like they could crack under the pressure of exceptionally challenging times, like those we are experiencing during this COVID-19 pandemic, those in recovery must dig deeper to hang on to their strength and commitment.

 

Resilience is the capacity to withstand and manage challenges. It is a behavioral quality that can be cultivated through practice. As I see it, the quality of resilience creates the foundation for long-term recovery from addiction. During these unexpected and incredibly challenging times, it is important to establish a series of actions designed to cultivate and build resilience.

 

According to experts at Harvard, “Proactive measures to protect health will build resilience, and help people avoid relapsing into harmful addiction-related behaviors.” They go on to establish that, “If a relapse does happen it is important to keep in mind that long-term recovery remains within reach. Relapse is a common feature of recovery, and it does not prevent anyone from entering recovery again.” https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/recovering-from-addiction-during-a-time-of-uncertainty-and-social-distancing-2020040319381

 

Social Distancing Is Hard On Everyone And Anathema To Addicts In Recovery

 

I’ve been writing about the dangers of social distancing for addicts in recovery since before the first shelter-in-place orders were mandated. Addiction is comfortable in isolation. Recovery is difficult, though as we are finding out, not impossible. As a nation, we’ve been dealing with the anxiety social distancing creates and, the toll it is taking its toll on everyone is becoming evident. For addicts, the extended period of anxiety created can cause behavioral paralysis and disengagement from daily tasks and obligations.

 

Create A Plan And Work it

We are a full six months into living with this pandemic and no one knows how long requirements for social distancing may go on. Hopefully, you have already discovered the value of creating a plan for your recovery. Like any plan, it’s imperative to work it diligently.

If you haven’t yet established a plan or are new to recovery, here’s what the Harvard experts suggest. “Your plan should anticipate what you expect might happen, including experiencing complicated emotions. Remember, emotions will pass, and your plan should help you move through challenging ones.” In addition, they suggest relying on, “escape and avoidance skills by identifying alternative activities that respect social distancing, but conflict with addictive behavior. Such activities might include practicing mindfulness and relaxation, getting exercise, learning new skills, and communicating your goals and activities with loved ones and people who support you.” https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/recovering-from-addiction-during-a-time-of-uncertainty-and-social-distancing-2020040319381

 

Establish Or Join Social Networks

Fortunately, we are living in the digital age and while we may be required to keep our distance from others, we can still visit and meet digitally. Zoom meetings have become very popular. You can create your own or join social networks that will be supportive of your recovery. That may mean joining specific addiction recovery programs that meet online and/or other social networks that meet around common interests. It’s important to be clear to yourself about your own needs and identify people who can help with those needs should they arise.

Make Use Of Online Therapy And Telemedicine

If you require medication, remember that taking home medications to manage addiction must be carefully considered. Depending where you are in your recovery, you may need to receive your medication with supervision. However, you may be served by establishing remote sessions with your sponsor or a therapist.

Remember You Are Cultivating Resilience In Recovery

The most important thing to remember is that you are practicing and developing your resilience during this exceptionally challenging period. I pray that anyone in recovery will be able to look back on this pandemic victoriously and more capable of withstanding and managing whatever challenges may arise.

 

National Opioid Crisis Expert, Dynamic Speaker And Author, Dr. John Rosa Shares Results Of Recent Study Revealing That Chiropractic Care Can Prevent Suicide.

opioid crisis

Dr. John P. Rosa, national opioid crisis expert, author and dynamic speaker share the compelling results of a recent study showing that nonpharmacological treatments, which included chiropractic treatments, significantly lowered the risk of suicide and other adverse conditions.

 ROCKVILLE, MD. August 26, 2020: Owner of Accessible Beltway Clinics and opioid crises expert, Dr. John Rosa, posted a new blog on his website entitled, Chiropractic Treatment Plays Important Role In Suicide Prevention, in which Dr. Rosa encourages anyone in chronic pain to keep their chiropractor’s phone number handy.

Dr. Rosa states, “Suicide prevention is just one more among a long list of benefits chiropractic care provides.” He continues adding, “This news has been recently revealed based on research conducted among U.S. Army service members returning from deployment. The motivation for the study was based on the fact that suicide among our returned service men and women has been going up steadily. For instance, between 2001 and 2014, studies show that “U.S. adult civilian suicides increased 23%, while Veteran suicides increased 32%.””

According to Dr. Rosa, “The authors of the study compared 142,539 U.S. Army service members with chronic pain who received nonpharmacological treatments (NPT) with those who did not in order to see if there was a reduction in long-term pain related adverse outcomes. Almost 25% of the participants received chiropractic care, while physical therapy was conducted on 32% of the participants.”

 

Read the entire blog at http://glt.kji.mybluehost.me/chiropractic-treatment-plays-important-role-in-suicide-prevention/

 

About John P. 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
  • Volunteer at Crossroads Freedom Center – a residential facility in Maryland to help overcome addiction

 

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The Explosive Combination Of Opioids, Isolation And COVID-19

Isolation has historically been used as a form of torture around the world. We humans need interaction with other humans. We need the warmth of connections, family, friends, colleagues. So when I think about people who have become addicted to opioids that sooner or later isolate themselves from either a life they want or a life they remember, it is another form of torture that is as devastating as the drug itself.

 

Drug Abuse Is A Mechanism Of Escape

If someone became addicted because a doctor prescribed opioids instead of treatment or if someone tried it at a party to get high and fell into the trap of using, the dependency usually serves the same mechanism of escape. People with a difficult life like the feeling of not caring about that difficult life. People with a great life who get caught up in using become isolated as they continue to cause friction and distance from the ones they love which in turn demands more use.

Psychology tells us that people begin abusing drugs often as a result of being bored and having too much time on their hands. Furthermore, it is known that as abuse progresses into addiction, boredom becomes even more of a factor because the drug actually rewires the brain to receive more gratification from the opioid than from normal activities.

 

Isolation Without Routines

Normally, there is some routine in place that keeps most people from abusing drugs at all hours of the day. However, when work, school and social activity come to a halt, people struggling with addiction have to face more cravings while also having fewer options for combating them.

Depression and anxiety also increase with isolation. Being isolated makes it more likely for a person to estrange themselves from friends and family.

 

Along Comes COVID-19

COVID has made those susceptible to use opioids much more likely to do so. I look at the opioid crisis as a pile of burning wood that has been sending smoke signals to our country demanding help.

The wood is the susceptible population.

The drying of the wood is the long standing cover up and greed of pharmaceutical companies. The gun powder on the wood pile is the overprescribing by doctors.

The gasoline poured over the pile is heroin and fentanyl

– and here comes COVID-19 walking by and takes that last drag on a cigarette before flicking it towards the pile.

 

Kaboom!

The explosion has happened. Opioid users are now more isolated than ever, more vulnerable than ever, more terrified than ever, more tortured than ever. We have a bigger problem than ever on our hands as this global pandemic disrupts all our lives in one way or another. The opioid epidemic was already spiraling out of control and now it’s going to be even more challenging to pick up the pieces.