In the wake of Prince's death, opioids are once again in the headlines. While precise details remain private, The New York Times reported on the likely role of narcotic pain pills in his death. His trajectory is all too familiar: from orthopedic problems in his hip from too much wear and tear, to surgery, then prescribed opioids and likely, their regular, unregulated use. This is a deeply familiar and perilous course that does not confine itself to celebrities, as recent evidence of overdose deaths in the U.S. has shown.
Drawing far less attention was an article published this week...
The opinions expressed herein are solely my own as a psychiatrist and public health advocate. I receive no support from any pharmaceutical or device company.
Dr. Lloyd’s two new books are now available: Improving Mental Health: Four Secrets in Plain Sight (2016) and Current Controversies in Mental Health and Addictions: An Expert’s Anthology (2017)