Painkiller Prescriptions value Safety

Painkillers are a useful way of diverting pain after a surgical operation and even physical pain. Pharmacists are now giving out contracts to opioids, painkillers, in order to keep track and monitor patients so they do not misuse these opioids. Michelle Andrews goes into detail in The Washington Post and says:

In 2007, 11,499 people in the United States died from opioid overdoses, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. That was more than the number of overdose deaths for heroin and cocaine combined.

Certainly is it wise for doctors to require regular check ups on patients who need chronic painkillers for daily relief. It is even more vital to have prescribe the bare minimum to patients who only need opioids for a short period of time. By creating a system that helps patients help themselves, they are able to stop from getting addicted and hopefully avoid a chanced meeting with death. Unlike other relief drugs, opioids are derived from the ancient opium poison. While it does provide physical and mental relief, if taken in wrong or excess dosage, death is inevitable.