The Drum today published a piece by Professor Louisa Degenhardt on the increase in deaths from prescription opioids, with a focus on the many varied factors contributing to the problem and to potential solutions. Here, we republish the piece in its entirety.
The harm caused by prescription opioids has captured the media's attention in recent weeks.
This article was first published in the April 26, 2013 edition of Medical Observer. It was written by NDARC academic Professor Louisa Degenhardt.
Chronic, non-cancer pain will become an increasing health and social burden.
Around 20% of the population suffers from chronic pain. Among those 55 and older, it is one in four men and nearly one in three women.1 Arthritis, rheumatism, back and neck problems are the most common conditions causing pain.
The body responsible for regulating drugs in Australia, the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA), is poised to decide whether to restrict access to benzodiazepines, such as Xanax, Valium and Normison.
