Should Narcotic Treatment Be Replaced With Holistic Treatments?

Narcotics are the most popular method for treating chronic pain. In the decade 1997 to 2006, there was a narcotic usage percent increase of 347 percent in the US (Dartmouth Medicine Magazine). This has lead pain management doctors to begin asking the question “Is such a huge use of narcotics effective?” Narcotics are an easy option for doctors, but a better treatment option for increasing function is mixing in holistic treatments. One may not be able to eliminate pain, but the more important overall outcome is to improve function.

Is Medical Marijuana Considered a Medication in Legal States?

In a state that legalizes medical marijuana, is it considered a medication? Not really since the FDA approves medications for a specific indication. Natural marijuana does not have an approved indication by the FDA and is classified by the DEA as a schedule 1 narcotic. So even while being legal in 15 states, it remains federally illegal and cannot be prescribed and considered a true medication according to an FDA definition.