The use of narcotic painkillers, or opioids, has boomed over the past decade. Doctors and drug makers have been promoting them for a new use: treating long-term pain from back injuries, arthritis and other health problems. Some patients are greatly helped by painkillers like Percocet, OxyContin and Vicodin. But an award-winning New York Times reporter argues that there is increasing evidence that these drugs, along with being widely abused, are often ineffective in treating long-term pain and can have serious side effects.

Guests

Barry Meier staff reporter, The New York Times; author of “Pain Killer: A ‘Wonder’ Drug’s Trail of Addiction and Death.”

Related Links

Barry Meier’s Website

via Barry Meier: “Pain Killer” | The Diane Rehm Show from WAMU and NPR.