Potential for misuse & diversion of opioids to addicts should not overshadow their therapeutic value

http://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2016-03/mali-pfm032416.php

Public Release: 24-Mar-2016
Potential for misuse & diversion of opioids to addicts should not overshadow their therapeutic value
Mary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News

Opioids are very effective for treating some types of pain, such as cancer pain and postoperative pain, but not for other kinds of pain like chronic low back pain. An increase in the number of opioid-related deaths among addicts has led to the current movement to restrict opioid prescribing by state and federal authorities. While a laudable goal, these restrictions threaten to block their use for safe and effective pain relief when medically indicated. A new Editorial, "The Pendulum Swings for Opioid Prescribing", calls for physicians to speak out as a voice of reason in their communities, and is published in Journal of Palliative Medicine, a peer-reviewed journal from Mary Ann Liebert, Inc., publishers . The article is available to download free on the Journal of Palliative Medicine website until April 23, 2016.

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tags: drug use, drug abuse