3 ms·

There are more people who are dealing with chronic pain who need opioid than people who are using them for "recreational" purposes.

freedomben 9y ago
I agree. This is a human rights issue happening right under our eyes, but we're so wrapped up in opiophobia and supposed benevolent paternalism to see it. The people who use them for dealing with chronic pain have been devastated by this war against them and their medicine. Many are committing suicide rather than face the pain without their medicine, and yes the medicine is being taken away, with "stopping the opioid epidemic" given as justification. It is truly sick what we're doing out of ignorance as a society. I've seen very few profiles of people in the media (beyond the Pain News Network), so most non-pain patients have no idea about this world and what they are doing to their neighbors.
paintchipluvr 9y ago
I'd also like to attach some information to your comment for other people that might forget opioids have a valid use. https://www.reddit.com/r/ChronicPain/comments/7k34y7/cdc_guidelines_causing_suicide/ https://www.reddit.com/r/ChronicPain/comments/7k34y7/cdc_gui... Also reading the comments at https://www.regulations.gov/docketBrowser?rpp=25&so=DESC&sb=commentDueDate&po=0&dct=PS&D=FDA-2017-P-5396 https://www.regulations.gov/docketBrowser?rpp=25&so=DESC&sb=... can put things into perspective. I know it's hard for people who have never experienced chronic severe pain to not understand why these medications are needed. the same as I look at normal people and can't remember what it's like to not be in pain.
krelian 9y ago
I can't help but feel that these medications are being vastly over prescribed by doctors. Why is this not a problem in other countries? Either the number of people suffering from chronic pain in the U.S is way higher (percentage wise) than in other countries (why?) or the doctors are prescribing extremely dangerous medicine as if it were candy.
- philipps 9y ago
  The NewYorker article mentioned above explains some of the reasons, ranging from misleading marketing to more nefarious tactics. The article is worth reading.
- maxxxxx 9y ago
  From my experience there are two factors I can see: Due to end user advertising the US a lot of people are tuned into taking drugs. It's just a part of life. I am 50 and people seem to be baffled when I tell them I don't any prescription drugs unless I have something acute. I see tons of people taking antibiotics and pain killers immediately when they have a problem. That starts from childhood on. Doctors in the US are really quick prescribing hardcore drugs. I have had several occasions when I had an injury like a bruised and got a Cocktail of vicodine and muscle relaxers. They make you feel real good quickly and I can totally see how people can get addicted. In addition people who have withdrawal symptoms get cut off cold turkey and get no help. I guess that's even more so in low income populations that barely get any healthcare.

freedomben 9y ago

I agree. This is a human rights issue happening right under our eyes, but we're so wrapped up in opiophobia and supposed benevolent paternalism to see it. The people who use them for dealing with chronic pain have been devastated by this war against them and their medicine. Many are committing suicide rather than face the pain without their medicine, and yes the medicine is being taken away, with "stopping the opioid epidemic" given as justification. It is truly sick what we're doing out of ignorance as a society. I've seen very few profiles of people in the media (beyond the Pain News Network), so most non-pain patients have no idea about this world and what they are doing to their neighbors.

paintchipluvr 9y ago

I'd also like to attach some information to your comment for other people that might forget opioids have a valid use. https://www.reddit.com/r/ChronicPain/comments/7k34y7/cdc_guidelines_causing_suicide/ https://www.reddit.com/r/ChronicPain/comments/7k34y7/cdc_gui... Also reading the comments at https://www.regulations.gov/docketBrowser?rpp=25&so=DESC&sb=commentDueDate&po=0&dct=PS&D=FDA-2017-P-5396 https://www.regulations.gov/docketBrowser?rpp=25&so=DESC&sb=... can put things into perspective. I know it's hard for people who have never experienced chronic severe pain to not understand why these medications are needed. the same as I look at normal people and can't remember what it's like to not be in pain.

krelian 9y ago

I can't help but feel that these medications are being vastly over prescribed by doctors. Why is this not a problem in other countries? Either the number of people suffering from chronic pain in the U.S is way higher (percentage wise) than in other countries (why?) or the doctors are prescribing extremely dangerous medicine as if it were candy.

philipps 9y ago
The NewYorker article mentioned above explains some of the reasons, ranging from misleading marketing to more nefarious tactics. The article is worth reading.
maxxxxx 9y ago
From my experience there are two factors I can see: Due to end user advertising the US a lot of people are tuned into taking drugs. It's just a part of life. I am 50 and people seem to be baffled when I tell them I don't any prescription drugs unless I have something acute. I see tons of people taking antibiotics and pain killers immediately when they have a problem. That starts from childhood on. Doctors in the US are really quick prescribing hardcore drugs. I have had several occasions when I had an injury like a bruised and got a Cocktail of vicodine and muscle relaxers. They make you feel real good quickly and I can totally see how people can get addicted. In addition people who have withdrawal symptoms get cut off cold turkey and get no help. I guess that's even more so in low income populations that barely get any healthcare.