The Truth About Painkillers

Celebrity magazines all too often feature stories about overdose deaths and rehab admissions, and the Office of National Drug Control Policy is running an advertising campaign about the dangers of prescription drug abuse.
But when taken as prescribed, just how risky are drugs like OxyContin and Vicodin?
The truth might surprise you. Myths and misinformation about opioid painkillers are widespread. Here are the facts.
Myth No. 1: Toughing it out is always better than relying on painkillers.
Although Americans pride themselves on their toughness, those who refuse medications despite severe pain may be putting their health— and their jobs and relationships— at risk.
“Uncontrolled pain is associated with adverse consequences in terms of daily functioning, mood, sleep, overall quality of life, energy level, the ability to work and marital relationships,” says Russell Portenoy, chair of Pain Medicine and Palliative Care at Beth Israel Medical Center in New York City.