Politics and fear have replaced science in U.S. pain management

Patient advocate Richard A. Lawhern, PhD, discusses the article "U.S. opioid policy history: How politics replaced science in pain care." Richard argues that for decades, public policy on pain treatment has been driven by sociopolitical factors rather than medical science. He traces the history from the "business corruption" phase of pill mills to the current "political phase" launched by the 2016 CDC guidelines. The conversation highlights how anti-opioid zealotry and legal fears have forced physicians to abandon effective pain care, leaving patients to suffer or turn to illicit markets. Richard also critiques the rising reliance on buprenorphine, suggesting it is popular not because of superior efficacy for pain, but because it offers a legal "safe harbor" for clinicians. Discover why Richard believes the confusion between physical dependence and addiction is driving a public health failure. Partner with me on the KevinMD platform. With over three million monthly readers and half a million social media followers, I give you direct access to the doctors and patients who matter most. Whether you need a sponsored article, email campaign, video interview, or a spot right here on the podcast, I offer the trusted space your brand deserves to be heard. Let's work together to tell your story. PARTNER WITH KEVINMD → https://kevinmd.com/influencer SUBSCRIBE TO THE PODCAST → https://www.kevinmd.com/podcast RECOMMENDED BY KEVINMD → https://www.kevinmd.com/recommended