YEOMAN (2005) AARP, 9-10/2005 49-54

If you are in terrible pain, many doctors would like to give you something strong that may be narcotic, but they won’t do it. Why? They fear the DRUG ENFORCEMENT AGENCY.

If the DEA suspects that a medical doctor is overprescribing, the MD feels that they are guilty until proven innocent. They could lose their license or face a very stiff penalty. Further, the court fight can be very expensive.

And so the majority of Americans keep on feeling bad. This can change. No law is static. Many who want the meds are not addicts. Keep hope alive.