Jonathan W. Sparks

In 2003, therapy occupied most of his free time after the accident. He had seen many commercials for drugs that helped people manage pain, and help him return to his life of going out and having fun. His initial visit to the pain clinic came after seeing their commercial advertised about helping people to control, manage and maintain a healthy lifestyle despite their pain.

The receptionist reassured him that the doctor would be able to help him. Initial assessment was done and a prescription was written for a lower dose pain medication. Physical therapy was canceled per doctor’s orders. His written dosage was one pill every four hours for 30 days. He didn’t make it specific as to take only as needed for pain. Along with discharge he was given reading materials which included how pain relievers blocked pain receptors allowing a person to go about normal activities.

With the prescription gone in only 15 days he returned. A higher dose pain reliever was prescribed. Dosage was to take one pill every two hours for 30 days, he didn’t include the specific as needed for pain, or that the drug was highly addictive. For three years the doctor wrote this prescription every month for him.

In bed, the shakes, hives, knots in his stomach, he wonders how this happened -- A commercial, a doctor, and three years’ worth of medication. Dedicated to my friend Steven, 6/11/79 – 6/12/06, love hath no boundaries, you will never be forgotten.

Do you know someone who is a victim of pain medication addiction?

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