The Illinois State Medical Society wants lawmakers to address addictive prescription painkillers. (WJBC file photo)
By Dave Dahl/Illinois Radio Network
SPRINGFIELD – Illinois is a leader, but can do better, in managing the addiction to prescription painkillers. The Illinois State Medical Society says preserving the doctor-patient relationship – as opposed to giving lawmakers more power over it – is one good idea.
“Legislatures are trying to address the problem they see,” says Dr. William McDade, the society's president, “that physicians undergo training, or some other sort of limitation on the doctor-patient relationship. The State Medical Society thinks this is probably better left to the physicians and patients.”
Also, McDade says an antidote of sorts can be made more available. “If a person gets into a critical situation of an opioid overdose, Nalaxone may be administered in order to help reverse the toxic effects of the opioid."
