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
Tag: opioid epidemic
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
Why politicians are wrong about the opioid crisis
Dear politicians in Washington, The opioid crisis was not caused by chronic pain and yet you seek to punish people in pain anyway because we’re the convenient scapegoats. I’ve written dozens of articles about the opioid crisis previously, but it has clearly not reached you so I’m begging you to listen this time. What you…Continue reading Why politicians are wrong about the opioid crisis
Everything you need to know about a spinal cord stimulator
Because I frequently write about chronic pain and the opioid epidemic, people often ask me about the spinal cord stimulator. Many doctors are taking patients off opioids and suggesting that the only other option is a surgery to implant a stimulator. Pain patients abandoned by doctors feel like this is their only option, but they’re…Continue reading Everything you need to know about a spinal cord stimulator
Chronic pain and the opioid crisis: How a myth defines treatment for pain patients
Chronic pain and the opioid crisis. They’re always linked in the minds of the media and the government. In the past, I’ve written quite a few angry posts about the way chronic pain patients are being treated. It was really more of a vent session for me because I had to give up my pain…Continue reading Chronic pain and the opioid crisis: How a myth defines treatment for pain patients
Pain Warriors Documentary- The other side of the opioid crisis
Pain Warriors is a documentary that tackles the other side of the opioid crisis ~ that of under-treated pain patients and the slow death of compassion that surrounds them. As pain patients are losing access to opioid treatment there have been an increasing amount of suicides. Legitimate, responsible pain patients are losing access to opioids…Continue reading Pain Warriors Documentary- The other side of the opioid crisis
Is kratom a revolutionary treatment for chronic pain?
As I’ve mentioned previously, I was able to receive treatment for my debilitating chronic pain for years, but lost access to that treatment a few years ago. Once that loss became permanent I decided I need to look into other options. Medical marijuana is not legal in my state, so I had limited choices. I…Continue reading Is kratom a revolutionary treatment for chronic pain?
Finding comfort when you’re having a bad pain day
Bad pain days take everything out of you. They suck your body and soul dry. You feel empty and destroyed. You try to distract yourself so you can have a better attitude, but the pain is so overwhelming you can’t get past it. You wish you could go to sleep and then magically wake up…Continue reading Finding comfort when you’re having a bad pain day
What is chronic pain and why is the definition changing?
I am in pain every day, every hour, every minute, and every second. I haven’t had a pain free moment in 9 years. The current prevailing literature says that’s because I’m just being emotional about my illness, or that I’m not meditating enough, or that I just want to be in pain. But despite what…Continue reading What is chronic pain and why is the definition changing?
The truth about chronic pain, depression, and suicide
A conversation on my Facebook page about the side effects of living with long term chronic pain reminded me that I needed to address this topic. I’ve avoided it because I don’t like getting too personal or emotional on my blog, and talking about depression and suicide gets really emotional. However, the more discussion I…Continue reading The truth about chronic pain, depression, and suicide