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nkrisc 6 days ago

> The only side-effect is euphoria.

> …

> the problem is with […] people misusing / abusing them.

I think these two facts are inextricably linked, and is what makes them indirectly dangerous for some people.

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johnisgood 6 days ago | parent [-]

I do not disagree.

Ultimately, it is "pick your poison[1]".

[1] Or others will pick it for you (control, regulation, whatever). You said "some people", which is true. I do not experience euphoria from opiates and I am sure I am not alone with this. In my case it is a blessing because I do have an addictive personality. Some other people do not get psychologically addicted to opiates despite euphoria. There is a great study, I think if you search for "rat park study", you can find it. The whole topic is complicated anyways, so I will just say that yeah, you are right, generally speaking.

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Spivak 5 days ago | parent [-]

I think the stronger point of what you're saying is if you can set yourself to avoid addiction—you have a time limited dose, you have no means of acquiring more—then opiate painkillers are the safest option in terms of potential damage to your body.

There's no avoiding it when it comes to some people's chronic pain but it's a tragedy we've ruined the reputation for opiate painkillers because they were prescribed for long periods which all but guarantees addiction. Folks in US hospitals have to unnecessarily suffer short term acute pain because squeamishness around prescribing effective painkillers in a situation where there's virtually no risk.

	▲	johnisgood 5 days ago \| parent [-]
		Thank you. This is what I essentially meant. See, this is what I meant by someone being able to express my thoughts better than I could ever hope for, so again, thank you!