Chronic Pain Patients Call Out Doctors For ‘Pain Acceptance’

In the wake of the opioid crisis, some doctors have turned to ‘pain acceptance’ as a treatment philosophy.

This means asking patients to “accept” living with a certain level of pain.

“I’m the doctor, just accept it.”

Doctors argue this could reduce the number of opioid prescriptions and the side effects that come with them, like addiction and dependence.

But chronic pain patients say this philosophy ignores their reality

Though politicians and doctors often suggest reducing opioid prescriptions as a solution to the crisis,

“We’re working with doctors and medical professionals to implement best practices for safe opioid prescribing.”

Most people prescribed opioids for chronic pain use them responsibly and do not become addicted.

They also report a lower quality of life and worsening pain with opioid restrictions.

“I never thought I’d have to go down to my starting dose whether I liked it or not. ‘Cause now I’m feeling pain I’ve never felt before.”

Addressing the opioid epidemic needs to be a priority

But not at the expense of chronic pain patients