As opioid prescriptions and opioid addiction continue to rise, more and more key players enter into the fray, thus calling attention to a key medical issue: opioid addiction. A recent article in Business Insurance warns workers compensation officials to avoid over-prescribing or doctor shopping in light of a spate of lawsuits blaming physicians and pharmacies for contributing to opioid addiction. In most of the cases where opioids had been prescribed for injuries resulting from workplace accidents, testimony revealed that individuals filing the suits had issues with abuse of opioids prior to the incident in question. Regardless, the courts in many cases are allowing plaintiffs to sue doctors and hospitals. The crux of the opioid controversy has to do with whether pharmacies will continue to fill opioid prescriptions if they are concerned about potential liability.
Medical Director Continues Plea For Alternative Chronic Pain Treatment
Dr. Mel Pohl, medical director at Las Vegas Recovery Center’s Chronic Pain Treatment program, continues to stand by his time-tested and well researched opinion that using opioids for treatment of lifelong chronic pain does not serve people well. Not only does Pohl have a concern about using the legal system as a forum for behavior of opioid prescribers, he also continues to point out the risks and negative consequences associated with long-term opioid use. “I’m not sure the legal system is the right forum to change prescribers’, behaviors but we must realize that opioids for chronic life-long pain are a poor solution and fraught with risks and unintended negative consequences.” Noted Dr. Pohl, adding that “The pendulum is swinging away from use of opioids for chronic pain as it should.” As the rate of addiction to opioids continues to increase nationwide, Pohl remains in the forefront as a proponent of alternative treatment. As an internationally recognized leader in comprehensive treatment for chronic pain and addiction for more than a decade, Pohl is instrumental in the Las Vegas Recovery Center’s program. He helped create the center’s revolutionary abstinence-based program of recovery. He seeks every opportunity to educate the medical and legal communities about methods to improve the quality of life for people who suffer from chronic pain without the use of opioids. He is pleased to see that the pendulum is swinging away from the use of opioids as treatment for chronic pain. Add your thoughts and comments below and follow us on Facebook!
