Reality and responsibility: A commentary on the treatment of pain and suffering in a drug-using society Journal Article


Authors: Passik, S. D.; Heit, H.; Kirsh, K. L.
Article Title: Reality and responsibility: A commentary on the treatment of pain and suffering in a drug-using society
Abstract: While opioids are a necessary part of the armamentarium of pain management, there has been a growing trend toward prescription drug abuse and diversion in our society. Meeting the goal of treating pain while not contributing to drug abuse and diversion requires vigilance and education. Physicians and patients have been singled out as the main players in the societal problem of diversion of prescription drugs. In fact, the problem can only be overcome when not only physicians and patients but also healthcare practitioners, third-party payers, law enforcement agencies and regulators, the pharmaceutical industry, and the media finally work together to prevent it, instead of fingering any one party for the blame.
Keywords: review; pain; prescription; legal aspect; narcotic analgesic agent; analgesics, opioid; opioid-related disorders; drug control; general practitioner; socioeconomics; socioeconomic factors; opiate addiction; physicians, family; law enforcement; prescriptions, drug; drug and narcotic control
Journal Title: Journal of Opioid Management
Volume: 2
Issue: 3
ISSN: 1551-7489
Publisher: Weston Medical Publishing, LLC  
Date Published: 2006-05-01
Start Page: 123
End Page: 127
Language: English
PUBMED: 17319444
PROVIDER: scopus
DOI/URL:
Notes: --- - "Cited By (since 1996): 4" - "Export Date: 4 June 2012" - "Source: Scopus"
Citation Impact
MSK Authors
  1. Steven D Passik
    122 Passik