“In the debate over opioid addiction, there’s one group we aren’t hearing from: chronic pain patients, many of whom need to use the drugs on a long-term basis.” Drug AddictionChronic PainDrug AbuseOpiatesSubstance AbuseMedia BiasPainkillersOpioidsChronic Pain StigmaStigmatizationOpioid UseStigmatizedPain Killer PillsDrug Seeking Author:S. E. Smith
“There’s a saying that goes something like: ‘We are all one drink or pill away from addiction,’ and I know this is meant to destigmatize what addicts go through, but I feel like I’ve been seeing variations on this ‘common knowledge’ more and more lately being used (on social media) as a cudgel to remind patients to not overdo it,” Anna says, speaking to the dual-edged sword of awareness. A motto designed to humanize the experience of addiction has been turned into a weapon that targets people who rely on opioids for pain management, and that translates to real-world stigma.” AddictionChronic PainOpiatesOpioidsChronic Pain StigmaStigmatizationOpioid UsePain ManagementStigmatizedPain Killer PillsPainkillerAnti Stigma Author:S. E. Smith