Videos

LIFE Before Death #4 -- Opiophobia

Posted by Greg Schneider on June 19, 2011 at 8:12am
Views: 5
Get Embed Code
Tags: "end of life", "palliative care", cancer, "chronic pain", hospice
"Opiophobia" Short Film 4 of 50 in the LIFE Before Death documentary series about the global crisis in untreated pain and the dramatic life changing affect palliative care services can deliver to patients and their families around the world. Opiophobia addresses the very serious consequences surrounding the fear to use opiate medications, such as morphine, for fear of addiction by health workers and patients alike. Opiate medications, which are medicines derived from opium, are considered by the World Health Organization to be the gold standard in the treatment of moderate to severe pain. Dr Henry Ddungu (Uganda) and Dr David Morrison (Canada) explain why these fears are unfounded and reiterate that opiates are used safely by health professionals all over the world. Criminal intent to divert important legal medicines by black market drug traffickers is identified as one of the contributing factors to opiophobia. This fear is reiterated by the testimony of late stage breast cancer patient Carmen (Australia), who at first resisted the opiate medicines that ultimately treated her pain effectively and gave her back her quality of life. Dr Kathleen Foley (USA) reflects on the real statements of other patients saying they'd rather die of cancer than become an addict. Sadly many patients and doctors still fail to recognize that this is not an either/or situation and that pain can be effectively treated without the fear of addiction. Dr Charles von Gunten (USA) and Dr Betty Ferrell (USA) explain that pharmacists also fear opiates for other reasons. Their anxiety is generated by robberies targeting essential painkillers for illegal sale. The resounding message is that patients and doctors fears are uncalled for and that the positive aspects of drugs like morphine deserve far more attention. Dr Charles von Gunten underscores this point with a powerful anecdote and the clear message that; "The drug does not have the power to change people in that way." Featuring Dr Henry Ddungu (Uganda), Dr David Morrison (Canada), Dr Charles von Gunten (USA), Dr Betty Ferrell (USA), Dr Kathleen Foley (USA) and Carmen (Australia).

You need to be a member of Hospice Community Forum to add comments!

Join Hospice Community Forum

E-mail me when people leave their comments –
Follow

Popular Videos
LIFE BEFORE DEATH -- Bedside Manner
LIFE BEFORE DEATH -- The "D" Word
Death 101 - A Primer For Approaching Death and Showing Up at the Bedside of the Dying
Consider the Conversation, a documentary about unintended consequences
Dying to be me! Anita Moorjani at TEDxBayArea
Zen Hospice Project - Volunteers
 

Blog Posts

CAREGIVERS STORE

Just Published!!
by Rashani Rea & Kathy Douglas

Those who companion suffering daily, such as hospice nurses and volunteers, will surely appreciate this beautiful work. With 62 original art collages by Rashani Réa, five beautiful chapters by Kathy Douglas, and a foreword by Jean Watson, this exquisite book is a peaceful refuge for contemplation, inquiry, reflection and inspiration for those who traverse the joys and sorrows of nursing.

Kathy Douglas, RN, MPH-HA is a nationally recognized nurse leader, filmmaker and entrepreneur. 

Rashani Réa is a prolific artist and musician, a creatrice of sanctuaries and a respected spiritual mentor.

“This is a beloved book and beyond a book. It is an evocative, poetic, ecstatic, and inspirited sacred, experiential calling. A calling to you--YES, YOU.” 

— Jean Watson, PhD, RN, AHN-BC, FAAN, Living Legend (AAN)

“Those who companion suffering daily need to turn inward to metabolize what they have witnessed. This exquisite book, filled with beautiful images and poetic wise words, is the inspiration and support needed to grow a wise heart.” 

— Frank Ostaseski, founder and director of the Metta Institute and author of The Five Invitations: Discovering What Death Can Teach Us About Living Fully

“In this unique time of the COVID-19 pandemic, this book should be considered a tribute to the tremendous courage being displayed by nurses around the world. There is much wisdom conveyed throughout by those who have been there serving others with such grace.” 

— Greg Schneider President, HVA, co-author of The Changing Face of Hospice Volunteering in Hospice and Palliative Care 

Buy Now