News & Research, Society

SHOCKING Prescription Drug Scandal! *Gasp*

That’s my attempt at a tabloid headline; I’m sure the tabloids — and all other media sources — are having a great time with this one. Supreme Court Chief Justice William Rehnquist was addicted to prescription painkillers. (Could he look any more stoned in the photo?)

Chronic pain patient advocates are arming themselves to defend the use of opioids for pain management during the latest onslaught of painkiller addiction coverage. I’d like to think that when the scandal dies down, the public will have a better understanding of the use of opioids for chronic pain management. I have no doubt that I’m lost in Pollyanna land.

An advocate is never supposed to say this, but I can’t help but think the battle over prescription painkillers has already been won.