Pubdate: Sun, 06 Mar 2016 Source: Sacramento Bee (CA) Copyright: 2016 The Sacramento Bee Contact: http://mapinc.org/url/0n4cG7L1 Website: http://www.sacbee.com/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/376 Author: George Alger DON'T GO TOO FAR IN RESTRICTING OPIATES Re "Father tries to save the next father's son" (Forum, Dan Morain, Feb. 28): Abuse of prescription opiates has been in the news with good reason. The risk of addiction and abuse is obvious. However, we must not forget the good these drugs can do when used properly. Going too far in restricting their use can have deleterious consequences. Over 15 years ago there was a newspaper article about a young lady afflicted with a painful nerve disorder. It was thought that she would need home health care for the rest of her life. A doctor tried a controversial treatment heavy doses of morphine sulphate four times a day. The lethargy associated with opiates went away after a week when the body adjusted to them. The woman graduated from college magna cum laude and started her own business. While the risk of abuse and addiction with opiates is real, one should not overlook their potential for good and their ability to provide a better life in certain circumstances. George Alger, Placerville - --- MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom