How “Dopesick” misinformation is killing people with chronic pain

Dopesick is killing people with chronic pain.  In the last six months, things have spiraled out of control with regards to the opioid crisis hysteria. The release of “Dopesick” has created armchair addiction and pain experts. They believe Dopesick is a documentary even though it’s an entertainment show. Don’t you dare tell them that though, they’ll…Continue reading How “Dopesick” misinformation is killing people with chronic pain

How the opioid hysteria and moral panic worsened the opioid crisis

How opioid hysteria and moral panic worsened the opioid crisis

A moral panic is happening in the United States right now, and it’s the so-called “opioid crisis” or “opioid epidemic” that pops up daily in the news. Reporters can be heard lamenting that the sky is falling and that anyone and everyone is addicted to prescription drugs. Of course, we know that isn’t true, but…Continue reading How opioid hysteria and moral panic worsened the opioid crisis

How racism in pain management endangers the lives of Black Americans

Racism in pain management has been around since the beginning of medical care, but thanks to the opioid crisis, it’s really ramped up in the last few years. It’s become so prevalent that now doctors are patting themselves on the back because they’re “saving” Black people from the opioid crisis by being racist. Doctors racist…Continue reading How racism in pain management endangers the lives of Black Americans

How the opioid crisis can lead those with chronic pain to suicide

1 out of 10 suicides is due to chronic pain, and yet the link between chronic pain and suicide is often ignored. Furthermore, no one connects the opioid crisis to chronic pain suicide even though they’re all related to each other. Society demands that pain be concealed I’ve long struggled with finding the words to…Continue reading How the opioid crisis can lead those with chronic pain to suicide