Not buying you are a physician. I suffer from chronic pain. My personal physicians don’t question me when I come in for a pain med refill. I have the medical history to back up my need for them and I don’t take 3-4 a day. In the early days, you bet, I was up there until I was able to learn how to control and live with the disability/pain.
Now, I do not drive if I am in so much pain that I need to take opiods to get some relief. But, I can still work when I am on pain meds and not be a danger to anyone.
And, no, tylenol doesn’t help chronic pain in the same way that the next level up pain med does.
Now, for me, I am thrilled to death with the lidocaine in over the counter pain rubs. First line of defense that reduces the need for further treatment.
The problem with our opioid addiction in this country is the same problem with our alcohol and illegal drug addiction. Hollywood, et. al. sell this idea that every minute of your day should be a thrilling carnival ride, always high emotional response.
Parents raise children now by shuttling them to afterschool activity after activity. Kids don’t learn to live in the quiet, alone. That those moments are more important than the constant artificial high.
I’m lying? Everyone knows me here...