I think your argument is only partly true. In Europe doctors prescribe a lot of ibuprofen, because opiates are considered "dangerous". However, ibuprofen is a r

I think your argument is only partly true. In Europe doctors prescribe a lot of ibuprofen, because opiates are considered "dangerous". However, ibuprofen is a really nasty medication causing kidney and stomach damage in many patients. I think especially for short term treatment, sometimes opiates would be better for public health. Also different medications treat different pain best, so choice shouldn't be limited by reluctance over false risk assessments. But I agree, being completely pain free shouldn't be an expectation unless you are terminally ill. Much less for acute or injury related pain. On a side note, in hospitals they probably wouldn't need as much pain medication, if they invested in better mattresses, lighting and food.