One short letter's huge impact on the opioid epidemic

[Warpy]

26. The problem isn't oipiates given for chronic pain

the problem is the type of opiate that was marketed for both acute and chronic pain, the long acting drugs like Oxy Contin. With those, dependence occurs quickly along with tolerance, meaning a person on them for more than a few days is going to require an increased dose for the same relief.

The letter refers to a study in Boston in the early 80s and the numbers are correct. However, it refers to people with acute pain who were given short acting opiates in the hospital. Very few looked for more drugs after the pain decreased and they healed completely. Dependency is higher in people with chronic pain but not addiction. They are separate.

The devastation from OxyContin overprescription and diversion into criminal gangs is worst in rural areas and in states like FL, KY, WV, and IN with fairly lax drug laws that allowed the operation of pill mills. Once the person was totally dependent on the drugs, organized crime took over.

I'm glad they're suing the drug companies that overhyped this shit and encouraged doctors to overprescribe it.