"But instead of pursuing more complicated pain solutions, which might include eating better, exercising more and, thus, feeling better, too many saw doctors as

"But instead of pursuing more complicated pain solutions, which might include eating better, exercising more and, thus, feeling better, too many saw doctors as car mechanics endowed with powers to fix everything quickly." And what's wrong with that? Opiates have a very low side effect profile, compared to other popular medications (like mood stabilizers, antidepressants). Why should someone unfortunate to have a pain issue also need to change diet and exercise if there's another option? As far as doctors being mechanics -- eh, almost. This unfair system of medicine licensing means that you need to get paid approval before taking medicine of your choosing. And even then, unless you're wealthy enough to demand service, you're entirely left to the doctor's personal whims. Many of which include an anti-addict narrative influencing their decisions. This story is rather Luddite in its views. Don't use medicine, find your inner strength; be American!