CHARLOTTE, N.C. — According to Mothers Against Prescription Drug Abuse (MAPDA)The United States makes up only 4.4% of the world’s population, and it consumes over 80% of the world’s opioids. Mothers Against Prescription Drug Abuse (MAPDA) in partnership with Aleve® have launched a campaign called “The Painful Truth” to encourage consumers to explore non-addictive pain relief options with their doctor before taking opioids. Joining us on Charlotte Today, were Mary Bono, former Congresswoman and Co-founder, Chair of the Board of Directors & CEO of Mother’s Against Prescription Drug Abuse and Matt Robinson, a voice from “The Painful Truth” campaign.
During our interview, they shared: prescription opioids are often used to treat chronic and acute pain and, when used appropriately, can be an important component of treatment. However, serious risks are also associated with their use, and MAPDA believes, it is essential to carefully consider the risks of using prescription opioids alongside their benefits.
Mothers Against Prescription Drug Abuse (MAPDA), aunched "The Painful Truth," a campaign developed to encourage consumers to explore, with their doctors, pain relief options such as over-the-counter (OTC) products before taking opioids, when appropriate.
Bono sharing: while opioid dispensing rates in the U.S. are slowly ticking down, they remain elevated compared with rates in other countries. MAPDA went on to add: consumers today have more options than ever before for powerful, nonaddictive pain relief as they navigate their unique positions on the overall pain spectrum, including but not limited to OTC medications, physical therapy, medication and chiropractic care.
"The Painful Truth" campaign launched with a three-minute film featuring real pain sufferers who are at crossroads in their pain relief journeys and seeking guidance. "I know all too well the dangers of opioid addiction” says Robinson.
In "The Painful Truth" the featured patients believe they are participating in a video call with a pain expert who will help them explore their options, but as the conversation progresses, our "expert" reveals that they are in fact in recovery from opioid use disorder. At this critical juncture in their care, the patients are encouraged to consider different pain relief options.
"Two big contributing factors to opioid use disorder are lack of education around the potential negative consequences of opioid use and the enduring stigma around addiction. Many of us believe this could never happen to us or someone we love, and that often prevents patients from exploring options for pain relief," says Bono.
She adds “we are so proud to partner with Aleve on ‘The Painful Truth’ to shine a spotlight on that moment when patients should actively engage about their care and explore all viable options."
Beyond uncovering raw stories of opioid use disorder and its impacts, the campaign challenges patients to fully explore and understand the drugs they are prescribed before using them. The CDC recommends maximizing non-opioid therapies as appropriate before using opioids for acute pain.1 "The Painful Truth" website provides information on nonaddictive pain relief options, like Aleve, and various research-backed, supportive therapies, including physical therapy, aromatherapy, chiropractic care, yoga, restorative sleep and meditation. For more information visit Aleve.com/thepainfultruth