With recent media attention over an FDA advisory panel’s decision to limit the contents of some opiate-based pain medicines, as well as proposed bans for Percocet and Vicodin, Americans who have used these medications for chronic, and painful, conditions may be looking for alternative treatments.

Researchers in France say that problems with opiate-based painkillers like morphine or heroin may be reduced by the introduction of tetrahydracannibol, the active ingredient in the herb cannabis sativa.

In animal models, young study subjects who had a chemical dependence on the medications passed from their mother were injected with the herbal supplement over the first several weeks of their life.

The scientists found that intermittent administrations were able to completely eliminate the dependence originally displayed by the animals, and the scientists are hopeful that further treatments could be developed to reduce dependence and addiction using compounds from the plant.

Patients who may no longer be able to use opioids for symtpom control could also use the Asian system of movement Tai Chi.

Researchers at the George Institute of International Health found that the exercise system reduced the effects of arthritis in limiting mobility in older people.