“Government agencies are trying to get doctors to cut back on prescribing opioids. I understand that they need to do something about the epidemic of overdoses. However, labeling everyone as addicts, including those who responsibly take opioids for chronic pain, is not the answer. If the proposed changes take effect, they would force physicians to neglect their patients. Moreover, legitimate pain patients, like myself, would be left in agony on a daily basis.” AddictionChronic PainOpiatesAddictsOpioidsChronic Pain StigmaOpioid UseOpioid AbuseLabellingMedical NeglectPain Patients Author:Alison Moore
“I currently take Lortab, which is a combination of acetaminophen and hydrocodone. I’d rather not take this medication, or any medication for that matter, but it is the only one that controls my pain adequately enough to allow me to function on a daily basis... I take the smallest dose possible to enable me to remain as clear-headed as possible to do what I need to do each day... Even with the minimal opioids I take, I still have pain all the time, 24 hours a day; without opioids, life would be torture.” Chronic PainOpiatesPainkillersOpioidsChronic Pain StigmaPain ReliefOpioid UseOpioid AbusePain ManagementPain Killer PillsPain Patients Author:Alison Moore