The Right to Pain Relief and Other Deep Roots of the Opioid Epidemic

The Right to Pain Relief and Other Deep Roots of the Opioid Epidemic offers a new lens through which to view the opioid epidemic as a consequence of serious misunderstandings of both opioids and pain. Based on their extensive research and experience with chronic pain care, science, ethics, and policy, the authors look beyond the usual villains-pharmaceutical companies and pharmacotherapy distributors-to examine the ethical and scientific concepts about pain that made the opioid epidemic possible.

The book explores the history of pain in Western society, the role of innovation in end-of-life care, the conception of pain control as an important medical responsibility, and the various models of pain that have led to our current understanding of it, ultimately arguing that we must reintegrate pain with the rest of human suffering as a necessary part of a full life. Containing patient vignettes as well as scientific and policy controversies that have emerged as the opioid epidemic has evolved, The Right to Pain Relief and Other Deep Roots of the Opioid Epidemic examines these implications in a more human and holistic way than has been ever addressed before by the popular press and professional literature.

Mark D. Sullivan, MD, PhD, is a Professor of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences as well as Adjunct Professor of Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine and Adjunct Professor of Bioethics and Humanities at the University of Washington.

Jane C. Ballantyne, MD, FRCA, is board certified anesthesiologist at UW Medical Center and a UW professor (retired) of Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine and Director of the UW Pain Fellowship.