While I was pleased to see the Clark County Council join a lawsuit aimed at curbing pharmaceutical companies from “pushing” opioids, I feel that is only one part of the issue. Doctors and patients also must assume responsibility for the epidemic.
These are Schedule 2 drugs, the use of which is highly restrictive. I was dependent on opioids for pain for years due to injuries I suffered 50 years ago. I went through a 14-month rehab program with the VA to break that habit. Doctors need to learn to prescribe these drugs as they were intended and not use them as a “fall back” fix. In fact, opioids do not “fix” anything, they only mask the pain, and all patients should discuss a pain-management plan with their physicians before any procedure.
I now state that I am allergic to opioids on any medical forms I fill out; that usually gets the discussion going.
