GPs are prescribing dangerous opioid painkillers for sufferers of chronic pain even though the medications don't work for long-term illness, according to research published in the British Journal of General Practice. Use of opioids such as tramadol and codeine, prescribed as a quick remedy amid a shortage of long-term care services, is heaviest in Northern England and poor areas. Researchers suggest they're being dispensed to deal with symptoms caused by social problems such as unemployment. Deaths in the UK attributed to opioids increased from 500 to 900 every month. Ministers have called for a review of the problem.
GPs are prescribing dangerous opioid painkillers for sufferers of chronic pain even though the medications don't work for long-term illness, according to research published in the British Journal of General Practice. Use of opioids such as tramadol and codeine, prescribed as a quick remedy amid a shortage of long-term care services, is heaviest in Northern England and poor areas. Researchers suggest they're being dispensed to deal with symptoms caused by social problems such as unemployment. Deaths in the UK attributed to opioids increased from 500 to 900 between 2001 and 2011. Ministers have called for a review of the problem.