Sackler Lawsuit Underscores the Dangers of Opioid Drugs

The opioid crisis in the United States has reached epidemic levels. According to Dr. Sanjay Gupta, a person dies of an opioid overdose every eight seconds in America, either from illegal opioids like heroin or by a legal opioid such as oxycodone. Local governments are now fighting back with a new strategy: filing a lawsuit against the Sackler family, owners of Purdue Pharma LP.

Purdue Pharma is the manufacturer of OxyContin, a brand name of oxycodone. Oxycodone is a powerful painkiller, and doctors often prescribe it to patients recovering from major surgery or suffering from extensive cancer. While oxycodone is effective at reducing intense pain, it is also a highly addictive opioid. Additionally, individuals can quickly build up a tolerance to oxycodone, requiring higher and higher doses to achieve the same level of effect.

Oxycodone not only controls pain. It also produces a high. This is one reason why the drug is widely abused. Just like with the painkilling effect, users need to increase their dose over time to achieve the same high. This practice can lead to overdose and death.

Oxycodone’s high comes from its effect on the neurotransmitter dopamine. This is the chemical in the brain that provides a sense of pleasure or reward. Oxycodone increases dopamine levels, but more and more of the drug is needed to provide this dopamine boost.

The Lawsuit

Over 600 local government groups – including cities, counties, and Native American tribes – have filed a federal lawsuit accusing the Sacklers and Purdue Pharma of intentionally misleading the public about the dangers of OxyContin. Specifically, the suit claims that the defendants marketed their opioid drugs as safe for long-term use when they actually knew otherwise.

Furthermore, the plaintiffs state that the Sacklers inappropriately encouraged doctors to prescribe OxyContin. They did this by giving physicians lavish meals, gifts, and even resort trips. The defendants are also accused of greasing the palms of professional medical organizations, hospital administration groups, and other healthcare entities.

Control Your Pain with CBD Oil Instead

Today, responsible physicians understand that opioids are not safe for prolonged use. Even after major surgery, good doctors will try to wean their patient off opioids as soon as possible. The risks of addiction – and possible subsequent overdose – are simply too great.

This is not the case with CBD oil, especially full-spectrum hemp oil. Hemp oils such as MARK3 Full-Spectrum contains a variety of cannabinoids, natural compounds that have been demonstrated to be effective at pain reduction. The fact is that no one has ever overdosed on CBD oil. MARK3 Full-Spectrum Hemp Oil is not addictive or habit-forming.

In fact, extended use of CBD oil can help reduce even serious pain, such as advanced arthritis pain, colitis from Crohn’s or irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), and even pain and nausea from cancer and cancer treatment. CBD oil is potent but safe. So instead of turning to dangerous opioid drugs, give CBD oil to treat your pain or discomfort. Natural, non-addictive cannabidiol may be exactly what you need.