"A World of Hurt: Fixing Pain Medicine's Biggest Mistake” explores the untold part of the
prescription painkiller story – growing evidence that these drugs, along with
causing an epidemic of abuse, are often ineffective in treating long-term pain
and are harming patients.
Written by Barry Meier, an award-winning reporter for the
Times, this new e-book also examines an unfolding medical revolution that will
change the thinking of patients and their families. A decade ago, drug
companies and medical experts launched a “War on Pain” that promoted the
widespread use of powerful narcotic painkillers for common conditions such as
back pain, headaches and fibromyalgia. Specialists claimed that a “bright line”
separated the drugs’ benefits for patients from their dangers when abused on
the street by young people and others.
Today, Meier writes, experts – including some who once
promoted the drugs – believe that the opioid boom “ranks among medicine’s
biggest mistakes". Recent studies have tied long-term use of these drugs,
particularly at high doses, to addiction, dependence, reduced sexual drive,
lethargy and other problems. Based on stories of researchers, patients and
others, “A World of Hurt” highlights how treating pain differently can benefit
both pain patients and the public's health.
“The promise that high-powered drugs could provide a
cure-all – the key to winning the ‘War on Pain’ – was an empty one,” Meier
writes.
"A World of Hurt" is published by The New York
Times and Vook. It is available in Kindle format only for $1.99 and is of amazing value.
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