An Opioid Remedy That Works: Treat Pain and Addiction at the Same Time

Robert Kerley is recovering from an opioid addiction with help from Kaiser Permanente’s pain management program in Colorado. John Daley/Colorado Public Radio

Seven years ago, Robert Kerley, who makes his living as a truck driver, was loading drywall when a gust of wind knocked him off the trailer. Kerley fell 14 feet and hurt his back.

For pain, a series of doctors prescribed him a variety of opioids: Vicodin, Percocet, and OxyContin.