Painkillers are really scary because most people don't think they are going to get into trouble with them. They figure that because they are prescription meds that they are okay, that they are not doing anything illegal. They can absolutely ruin a life! I have seen a friend throw away a career and destroy his family because he was addicted, this was a good guy who had married in the temple and been on a mission. No one is immune, so you just have to be careful. Better education is needed!

Thank you for addressing this problem. Craig Garrick was a good friend of mine. He shared with me a similar story--he was a huge offensive tackle with the '84 BYU team. His injury occurred in high school, but his addiction started in college. I helped him through his first rehab. His addiction directly attributed to his divorce he lost contact with his only son. His second marraige was strained due to his addiction. His weight dropped from 285 to about half of that by the time he died. I wish he had never got hooked on painkillers as I miss his friendship.

This story is rings familiar to a favorite son of Dixie, Kip Staheli. He was a star basketball player who went to high school and college in southern Utah. He was loved by all who knew him. He passed away about 10 years ago. Addiction ruined his professional and personal life.

This problem exists with non-athletes as well. My friend is in rehab now for the same thing. The addiction caused him to begin using alcohol as well. It has nearly cost him his marraige and his business as an appraiser. Fortunately, he has family who support him. We are all praying for him, but recognize that he has a long road to recovery.

It isn't just a problem in the sports world. It's a problem everywhere. It will only get worse unless something is done to prevent people from getting them so easily.

Why was the picture of Bryant Atkinson with the story on athletes and painkillers and then nothing is mentioned about him. What does he have to do with the story.

I am not an athlete, do not currently take any medication, and have not ever had a problem with addiction. However, a few years back, when I did have surgery that was very painful, I was given appropriate narcotics for that pain. And looking back, I can see exactly how you could easily get addicted. When you hurt so much you can't breathe, and you get a shot of morphine, not only does the pain go away, but you wouldn't care if it didn't. Drugs are so powerful because when you are under their influence, you really do feel good. And when they wear off and the discomfort returns, the first thing you think about is getting another dose so that you can feel good again. Luckily my pain was short-lived, so I only needed medication for a couple of weeks. I can see how easily it would be to slip into the routine of a daily dose just to feel normal.

Question for Dennis Romboy -

There are quotes from a wide variety of experts on the topic, including athletic trainers from both Utah and Utah State.

Especially given your reference to the two players who died from the effects of narcotics after injuries sustained at BYU, why are there no quotes from BYU athletic trainers?

Opiate addiction is notoriously hard to treat. Often times, the natural painkillers (endorphins) are suppressed by narcotic use and when the use stops, it takes a good while for production to resume, leaving the patient in pain, depressed, lethargic, and craving relief. A certain percentage never resume normal endorphin production no matter how long they remain abstinent, and are vulnerable to continued relapse, no matter how intensely they try, nor how great their participation in support groups, programs or counseling.

For this group, medication assisted therapy (MAT) with Buprenorphine or Methadone (depending on the severity of the addiction)is far more successful at returning them to a normal, law abiding life free of illicit drugs. The medications supplement the non existent endorphins in the brain chemistry, keeping the patient feeling normal--not high or euphoric, nor depressed and miserable. Some may need to use the medications for long periods--even for life--if the damage sustained is permanent--in much the same way diabetics must use insulin.

Many others, though, can return to normal function after a few months or a year or so of abstinence, if they can get through this period without using.

I guess I would be considered as a "good member". I have been LDS all my life, married to an RM in the temple. I am a recovering prescription drug addict. While I can absolutely appreciate MAT (medicated assisted therapy), Buprenorphine was what actually put me into rehab. I was taking the prescribed amounts--so I refused to acknowledge that I was still very altered. Thanks to my Heavenly Father, my Savior, and a great support system-I can live daily without these "meds".(Though it is VERY difficult at times). Please be careful with what you allow into your body. I almost lost everything.

The use of pain killers is very SNEAKY. I say that because of the addiction. I am a former college football player (all-american). I didn't know what they meant by ADDICTIED. After treating one nagging injury my body had become addicted. I didn't feel normal unless I had a vicodin or oxycottin in my system. I relized this wasn't a good thing and am currently taking suboxone everyday VIA a clinic to relieve the withdrawl symtoms. I am now aware of the dangers of Pain medication. I don't know who AMOS is but I believe he is on the right path. THERE NEEDS TO BE A PREVENTION CAMPAIGN!!! I would love to help. Post back on here if you have any questions or know a way I can help. Thanks, Hope this helps