We have a genuine and devastating epidemic of opiate abuse in this country, and it is of critical importance that this problem be addressed. But we must do so in a way that doesn’t cut off an effective (and often the only) treatment for the chronically ill, many of whom are able to function in this world at all only because of the small respite that responsible opiate use provides.

~ Michael Bihovsky

Michael Bihovsky Addiction Chronic Illness Chronic Pain Chronic Pain Stigma Chronically Ill Epidemic Medical Neglect Opiates Opioid Abuse Opioid Use Pain Management Pain Relief Stigma

Government agencies are trying to get doctors to cut back on prescribing opioids. I understand that they need to do something about the epidemic of overdoses. However, labeling everyone as addicts, including those who responsibly take opioids for chronic pain, is not the answer. If the proposed changes take effect, they would force physicians to neglect their patients. Moreover, legitimate pain patients, like myself, would be left in agony on a daily basis.

~ Alison Moore

Alison Moore Addiction Addicts Chronic Pain Chronic Pain Stigma Labelling Medical Neglect Opiates Opioid Abuse Opioid Use Opioids Pain Patients

How do I validate him in the face of such profound personal loss and the outrageous denial by the medical community?

~ Mary Dimmock

Mary Dimmock Denial Invalidation Medical Neglect