Opioid Lawsuit Payout Plans Overlook a Vital Need

Crisis reveals need for pain management care and research focused on smarter use of addictive drugs

While the effect of inappropriate prescription of opioids are being addressed with payout money to governments, one of the main causes -limited treatment options for pain - still remains. Syda Productions/Shutterstock

The opioid crisis has resulted in more than 500,000 overdose deaths over the past two decades. The federal government, states, and other entities have filed litigation against drug manufacturers, suppliers, and pharmacies as one approach to address the harm and suffering caused by inappropriate opioid prescribing practices.

Billions of dollars in settlements have since been awarded, and more is likely.