As epidemic rages, ER study finds opioids no better than Advil and Tylenol
The title of this link is frustrating and misleading. The article clarifies a bit, but I take issue with Ars linking to the specific study with text stating the methodology is the gold standard. That doesn’t mean the conclusion will hold up to scrutiny, or that “extremity pain” is a meaningful dimension. The type of injury (eg. compound fractures, sprains, etc.) could be more meaningful than where the injury is. There’s no control for injury location.<p>Also, the CDC guidelines state that opioids are recommended when other treatments fail (regardless of the underlying condition). That key facet was excluded from this article. Ugh.<p>Apologies, this is a bit of a rant. I have a very painful chronic neurological condition that often requires powerful opioid pain medication to get out of bed (and not commit suicide). Please keep in mind that there are legitimate use cases for opioids. I don’t like them, but combined with biofeedback, PT, mindfulness and relaxation techniques, I’m able to survive until my condition gets better (if it does).<p>We all understand that opioids should be avoided when possible. Addiction is horrific. I don’t think anybody is arguing that. But please help stop making life exponentially harder for people with legitimate problems that effectively require opioid medications as part of a treatment plan. We have it tough enough already.<p>The only way out of the current situation is to develop drugs that are at least as effective as opioids, but not addictive (and ideally not psychoactive). I’ve tried everything (yes, an NSAID + acetaminophen, and even intrathecal Ziconotide), but we just aren’t there yet. I hope we get there soon, because I’m sick of the mental cloudiness and health risks of opioids. I want my life back, and I’m sick of fighting just to maintain an acceptable level of pain management.