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According to a recent report from the Institute of Medicine (IOM) an estimated 116 million American adults are affected by chronic pain-more than the total affected by heart disease, cancer, and diabetes combined. The IOM report, Relieving Pain in America: A Blueprint for Transforming Prevention, Care, Education, and Research , lays out a plan to address pain as a public health issue in America. One of the recommendations in the report is to "aim to foster an understanding among clients, the...
LVRC applauds the government's efforts to crack down on the illegal distribution of prescription drugs. However, there is more to be done in the fight against prescription drug abuse.
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Americans worry about taking opioid medications. Improved physician education and smarter prescribing practices are a healthy start toward reducing prescription abuse and misuse.
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Marijuana is a mood-altering drug capable of producing dependency. We support efforts to limit its use due to its negative effect.
Data continues to show the effects of the prescription drug epidemic. The U.S. needs a comprehensive plan that includes better education for healthcare providers and patients, as well as prosecution of illegal distributors.