A Drug Problem Isn’t a Moral Failing

By Lynn Webster, M.D. / February 20, 2021 /

We may never know why Rush Limbaugh made the choices he did. But, just as we would never think of berating him for falling victim to the lung cancer that took his life, we also shouldn’t chastise him for misusing painkillers.

COVID-19 and People in Pain

By Lynn Webster, M.D. / November 21, 2020 /

I wanted to share an article that I recently wrote for The Pandemic Lens. It is a curated venue where selected photographers, painters, writers, and other artists can present works that express their reactions to the pandemic. I was honored to be asked to participate. This article, in a slightly edited form, first appeared on…

Pause

By Lynn Webster, M.D. / October 31, 2020 /

I am taking a pause in writing blogs, columns, and editorials. I sincerely want to thank everyone who has followed me. I hope you all will continue to seek factual information. Please know that my commitment to the pain and addiction community is as strong as ever.

The Devil Effect and Patients with Pain

By Lynn Webster, M.D. / October 24, 2020 /

The belief that Big Pharma is inherently bad makes it difficult to appreciate the good things (such as vaccines and cures for diseases) that come from Pharma and separate them from the bad things (such as the negative consequences of some drugs and apparent greed).

Are We Living in the Matrix?

By Lynn Webster, M.D. / October 17, 2020 /

A recent Netflix documentary, “The Social Dilemma,” illustrates how social media networks are selling each of us as commodities to advertisers. Tristan Harris, a former Google employee, points out that platforms such as Reddit, Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram make money by allowing advertisers to target only those who are interested in their messages or products

The American Medical Association Takes on the CDC Opioid Guidelines

By Richard A. Lawhern, Ph.D. / October 10, 2020 /

The new recommendation offered by the AMA holds to a long-held belief by many physicians with expertise in pain and addiction medicine that patients with a current, or a history of an, opioid use disorder should receive effective pain care, including opioid therapy, when clinically indicated and in consideration of known risks and benefits.

Pre-existing Conditions Deserve Affordable Treatment

By Lynn Webster, M.D. / October 3, 2020 /

However, reversing the ACA at any time would be devastating for millions of Americans who have an SUD or pain. Both SUDs and pain would be considered pre-existing conditions.

Six Reasons to Participate in Clinical Trials

By Lynn Webster, M.D. / September 26, 2020 /

The coronavirus has left many people feeling helpless—yet you can help. You may not be a medical researcher, but you can still be part of developing a vaccine. There are three COVID-19 late-phase trials underway in the United States, and they will involve more than 100,000 individuals. 

Suicide Prevention and Pain Awareness: Ironic Partners

By Lynn Webster, M.D. / September 19, 2020 /

The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (1-800-273-8255) provides a hotline for anyone who is having a mental health crisis or suicidal thoughts. Free, confidential help for a loved one, or for you, is only a phone call—or online chat—away.

2020 Football Season Begins During a Pandemic

By Lynn Webster, M.D. / September 12, 2020 /

The 2020 football season has begun. There have been changes, including daily testing and limiting who can enter the teams’ facilities. Many referees will wear masks, and locker rooms have been restructured to discourage the spread of the virus. So the game will continue.

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