The Untold Opioid Problem that is hurting patients

The story the media is not telling you

In this week’s edition of Keeping it Real we are talking about the other side of the fight against opiod’s you are not hearing about. I also examine media bias involving a blog post about a kid at a Kansas City Chiefs game.

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The battle against opioid misuse and addiction is a complex and ongoing public health challenge. Opioid medications, such as prescription painkillers and illicit drugs like heroin, have been associated with a significant increase in addiction and overdose deaths in many parts of the world.

Efforts to address the opioid epidemic have included measures to restrict the prescription of opioids, increase awareness about the risks of misuse, improve access to addiction treatment, and enhance monitoring of opioid prescribing practices. While these measures aim to curb the misuse of opioids and prevent addiction, there is also concern that they may have unintended consequences.

I talked to medical activist Brandy Novicka who wants to bring this issue to light. Brandy says many people are suffering from chronic pain and are not able to get the help they need because of the battle against opioids.

Some argue that the strict regulations and monitoring of opioid prescriptions may make it challenging for individuals with legitimate medical needs to access these medications for pain management. Patients with chronic pain conditions or those recovering from surgery, for example, may face barriers in obtaining the necessary pain relief.

Balancing the need for pain management to prevent opioid misuse is a delicate task. It involves considering the risks and benefits of opioid use in various clinical situations and ensuring that healthcare providers have the tools to make informed decisions about pain management.

It's important to note that the situation may vary by region, and policies and perspectives on opioid use and prescription may differ. Additionally, ongoing research and discussions among healthcare professionals, policymakers, and the public aim to find effective solutions that strike the right balance between addressing the opioid epidemic and ensuring appropriate access to pain management for those who need it.

I also talked about the issue involving the blog website Deadspin going after a young kid for wearing “blackface” It turns out the kid was wearing red and black on his face, which are the colors of the Kansas City Chiefs. Watch our discussion about it below: