Is fighting Addiction really like undergoing cancer treatment?

Herculesmulligan

First off, I know this is a controversial topic and I'm not trying to stir up trouble, but to see other people's point of view towards understanding and processing this issue.

I just read a report on the opiod crisis that likened fighting addiction to cancer treatment. My first response was defensiveness, like "how dare they liken me to an addict? I had no choice in my diagnosis" that was followed by the realization that the addict didn't choose to be an addict either. But ( here's the controversial part) isn't there still more free will in recovery from addiction vs cancer treatment? What do you think?

Also, separate thought: are cancer patients more likely to be opiod addicts, because of our frequent surgeries that are followed by appropriate opiod use? Does anyone know of any research on this?

dtad

I have never seen or heard of the comparison! IMO the are 2 totally different things. I know a lot about addiction and do believe it is a disease. Thats the only thing they have in common. No, I don't believe that cancer patients are more likely to be addicts. The only time they receive heavy duty opioids are in the later stages. Good luck to all.

Freya244117

This article explains the difference between addiction and dependence very simply. I have copied a part of it below.

Addicts

Addicts take drugs to get high and avoid life

Addicts isolate themselves and become lost to their families.

Addicts are unable to interact appropriately with society.

Addicts are eventually unable to hold down a job.

The life on an addict is a continuous downward spiral.

Pain Patients

Pain patients take drugs to function normally and get on with life.

When pain patients get adequate relief, they become active members of their families.

When pain patients get adequate relief, they interact with and make positive contributions to society.

When pain patients get adequate relief, they are often able to go back to work.

When a pain patient gets adequate relief, their life progresses in a positive, upward direction.

Snowfall

My understanding of the comment in the article was that the comparison was limited to the value of early intervention, not that cancer and addiction are entirely analogous.

GraceDD

Freya, your post today was useful to me. We are a "recovered" home, and I can see my "stigma" attached to future pain management. Leg bone pain prevents me from walking on family visit today, and I was musing about pain management... Thanks!