Opioid overdoses are a rampant problem in the United States, and the abuse of opioids is an epidemic. Multiple drugs are being abused, and those who are abusing are using multiple drugs. Deaths linked to opioid overdoses often involve multiple medications. Furthermore, unfortunately, some physicians contribute to the problem by running clinics that readily handout prescriptions for opioids without even really evaluating a patient for real disorders.

Pain pill abuse is clearly a problem in our society. Unfortunately, the problems of abuse reflects on everyone, including those trying to prescribe correctly and the patients who have legitimate problems. Pain physicians have a large stake in the issue. Treating pain requires many tools, and using opioids is only one option. Since every patient a pain physician sees does have some sort of pain problem, it is invariable that they may prescribe opioid medications occasionally. Pain physicians, since they tend to prescribe dangerous medications, try to be extra careful in their use of these medications.

Treating The Complex Problem

The first thing to realize is that pain is a complex problem, and there are multiple ways of treating these issues. A pain physician will usually try to find a solution that is the most appropriate for every patient based on the diagnosis and patient needs. There is no risk-free magical pill that will cure a person of their ailment. Treatment is complex and often requires management of multiple interacting problems. The best solutions usually involve quite a bit of work by the patient to change various aspects of their lifestyle, like eating healthy, getting more exercise and drinking fluids.

All physicians need to pay attention to treating pain appropriately. Throwing a pill at a pain problem is not always appropriate. Finding a diagnosis and treating the problem in a comprehensive fashion is necessary. Patients may need to be drug tested to determine if they are using medication appropriately, and the state drug database should be checked to see if a person is doctor shopping for medication. Setting down rules for the use of controlled medications is always necessary, and if long term prescribing is being done, a contract with the patient may be reasonable.

The fact of the matter is that most pain pill addictions and overdoses begin with a legitimate prescription and worsen from there. The medications are not stolen or illegally produced. To control abuse, physicians must take responsibility to prescribe medications appropriately. If a patient has pain that is not improving, a pain specialist is beneficial to help a patient find a comprehensive approach to managing the symptoms. Chronic pain problems often do not have quick or easy solutions. Solving the issue of opioid abuse will require physicians to take an active role in finding solutions to difficult problems.