Yeah, Right, Whatever

I've been wondering about this for a while (probably since Rush went into rehab for his addiction). This post brought the question back to mind.

The second story really shouldn't have surprised me. Representative Peter Lynch, who represents part of Boston in Washington, has decided that it's time to ban OxyContin.

Apparently, because some people abuse the drug, it's time to take it away from everyone. I've never used it, nor met anyone who has (legitimately or otherwise), but the stories I've heard attribute almost-miraculous powers to it for those suffering from severe, chronic pain.

This is my question. If a person is in chronic pain, then they need some form of effective pain management, right? For some people, an ibuprofen or naprosin a day is fine. For others, something a little more potent is necessary. For still others, one must reach for the big guns. If a person's chronic pain is severe, then is it an abuse of the drug if you have to take it all the time?

I'm not saying that people can't abuse OxyContin and other drugs. That's obvious. I'm just wondering if some people who truly need to be on those meds might get labled as addicts, when they're really just trying to get a little relief.