Table of Contents
Foreword 4
Overview: Opioid Abuse 6
Chapter 1 Should Opioids Be Used to Treat Chronic Pain? 12
The Debate at a Glance 12
Opioids Are Necessary for People in Chronic Pain 13
Opioids Are Not an Effective Solution for Chronic Pain 19
Chapter 2 Who Is Responsible for the Opioid Epidemic? 25
The Debate at a Glance 25
The Pharmaceutical Industry Created the Opioid Epidemic 26
The Pharmaceutical Industry Did Not Create the Opioid Epidemic 32
Chapter 3 Can Regulating Opioid Prescriptions More Strictly Prevent Their Abuse? 38
The Debate at a Glance 38
Regulating Opioid Prescriptions More Strictly Will Help Prevent Abuse 39
Regulating Opioid Prescriptions More Strictly Will Encourage Abuse 45
Chapter 4 Can Medical Marijuana Prevent Opioid Abuse? 51
The Debate at a Glance 51
Medical Marijuana Can Prevent Opioid Abuse 52
Medical Marijuana Will Not Prevent Opioid Abuse 58
Source Notes 64
Opioid Abuse Facts 69
Related Organizations and Websites 72
For Further Research 74
Index 76
About the Author 80
