Painkillers

July 1, 2016
Chronic pain and the abuse of and addiction to drugs that alleviate it are major health problems. There are news stories about them daily. This book, part of the new Story of a Drug series, provides readers with an overview of these drugs and the issues related to them. The author, a substance-abuse counselor and professor, offers a multidisciplinary approach to the subject. He begins by discussing the different classes of painkillers: opiates, opioids, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatories, COX-2 inhibitors, and others. There is information about nonpharmaceutical pain-relief techniques, such as acupuncture, chiropractic, and hypnosis, as well. The volume then presents a history of these drugs with interesting cross-cultural information about their use in many parts of the world (readers will learn that Bayer manufactured heroin in 1809). A definition of pain and a discussion of how painkillers work, their effects, and the potential for misuse and overdose follows. Information about the production, distribution, and regulation of these drugs; the social issues (addiction, treatment); and thoughts about their future complete the work. A glossary, directory of resources, and a bibliography provide further information for readers. Several primary source documents supplement the text. This is an excellent resource for school and public libraries.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2016, American Library Association.)