addiction
The CDC and the DEA Want to Be Your Ghost Doctor
What Is a Ghost Doctor? It is not uncommon for politicians, celebrities, and other ordinary people to hire a talented writer — who is called a “ghostwriter” — to compose a story or book. Ghostwriters are supposed to write in the author’s words, voice, and style, and they do not take credit for their authorship.…
Read MoreLet’s Agree to Prioritize the Needs of Patients When Treating Pain
Treating Pain — The Stats In a recent Consumer Reports article on pain, “Prince’s Death and the Addiction Risk of Opioids,” Teresa Carr writes, “In fact, as many as one out of four taking a prescribed opioid for several months or longer becomes addicted, according to the CDC.” Carr doesn’t provide a reference, so I’m…
Read MoreThis is the Reason Harvard Business Review Got Opioids Wrong
When a publication of Harvard Business Review’s caliber prints something, it stands as fact unless an authoritative voice corrects it. Therefore, I feel obligated to comment on Christopher Bowe’s recent HBR article, “Fixing Pharma’s Incentives Problem in the Wake of the U.S. Opioid Crisis.” I’m disappointed in (although hardly surprised by) the misleading content of…
Read MoreAre Investors Earning Money From People Suffering From Addiction?
When I saw NPR’s headline, Investors See Big Opportunities In Opioid Addiction Treatment, I wasn’t sure whether I should feel angry or simply disbelieving. Are investors really earning money on the backs of people suffering from addiction? So many of us see addiction as a thief who steals our ability to think and function —…
Read MoreThis Is the Reason Behind the Current Feckless Reporting of Opioids
Media Reporting of Opioids Have you heard the news about hyperalgesia? “This is the idea that opioid medication, instead of calming pain, might actually make pain worse,” says Stephen Martin, MD, EdM, an Associate Professor of Family Medicine and Community Health at the University of Massachusetts Medical School who wrote a guest post for HealthNewsReview.…
Read MoreIn Pain Practice, Senator Gene Yaw Is Wrong
State Senator Gene Yaw means well when he suggests teaching all doctors the pros and cons of opioids. In theory, I appreciate what he’s saying and am pleased to see his support for broader education about opioids and pain management. Medical Students Receive One Hour of Pain Management Education — Veterinarians Receive More! I often…
Read MoreCNN Opioid Crisis Town Meeting with Sanjay Gupta and Anderson Cooper
Opioid Crisis Town Hall Meeting On May 12, CNN broadcast a town hall meeting about the American opioid crisis with Sanjay Gupta and Anderson Cooper. The show’s audience included people who had used opioids for pain, and some who had become addicted to opioids. It has caused a considerable stir among people in pain. Much…
Read MoreOpen Letter to Prince’s Supporters and Devoted Fans
Fans and Supporters Saddened by Loss of Prince When the news broke about the death of Prince, and reporters began to link his death to a possible opioid addiction, I empathized with his fan base and supporters who were deeply saddened by the loss. All the facts weren’t in — they’re still not — but…
Read MoreThis is the Reason Karl Marx Was Wrong, According to 90% of Americans
Karl Marx called religion the “opium of the people.” He meant that religion creates an illusory happiness that prevents people from seeking real happiness, which he believed would come through communism. Marx underestimated the continuing role that spirituality plays in human well-being. Americans Pray For Healing One CNN report claims that 90% of Americans pray…
Read MoreThis is Why People With Addiction Use Counterfeit Drugs
Prescription medications, by definition, must be prescribed by a doctor. Many people in pain are reporting that doctors are becoming increasingly wary of prescribing opioid medications. This leaves patients in the lurch. People will often do almost anything to obtain medicines for their pain or to feed their addiction, even if it means buying counterfeit…
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