Of those reporting painkiller use, 88 percent used them for acute pain, 30.5 percent for chronic pain and 4.6 percent for cancer pain. More than three-quarters believed narcotic painkillers are linked to drug abuse and 59.5 percent associate painkillers with depression use.
More than one-third of respondents used painkillers despite having concerns. Top concerns included side effects, risk of addiction and potential long-term health impacts. But 30.8 percent said they questioned or refused a physician’s recommendation of painkillers.
Related Articles on Prescription Painkillers:
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Physicians Struggle to Treat Pain During Opioid Abuse Epidemic
