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The Link Between Pain Management And Opiate Abuse

Toby Talbot
/
AP
OxyContin is a prescription opiode that is prescribed for pain management but has been used by those abusing opiates.

Two years ago, Gov. Peter Shumlin unveiled Vermont's dirty little secret. The state had an opiate abuse problem.

In his 2016 State of the State address, he pointed out that the problem still lurks among us and he drew a direct connection to addiction caused by the over-prescribing of pain medication. And he has called for limits on what can be prescribed for minor procedures.

We talk with Dr. Stephen Leffler, chief medical officer at University of Vermont Medical Center, and New York Times Health and Business Reporter Barry Meier about the connection between pain management and opiate abuse. Meier is also the author of "A World of Hurt" and "Pain Killer."

Broadcast live on Mon., Jan. 18, 2015 at noon; rebroadcast at 7 p.m.

Ric was a producer for Vermont Edition and host of the VPR Cafe.
Jane Lindholm is the host, executive producer and creator of But Why: A Podcast For Curious Kids. In addition to her work on our international kids show, she produces special projects for Vermont Public. Until March 2021, she was host and editor of the award-winning Vermont Public program Vermont Edition.
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