It’s hypocritical of the government to impose restrictions on doctors

“Opioid crisis a tragedy of drug use, not a crime,” May 13 letters to the editor.

As a person with chronic pain (better described as debilitating pain), I applaud the letters written by two doctors regarding the rights of doctors to prescribe opioids.

Their rights to practice medicine are being eroded in that they are trying to treat patients with pain every day.

While I believe there are doctors who debase their practice of medicine by over-prescribing pain medication, the vast majority are upright individuals of conscience.

The recent publicity of famous individuals’ deaths from overdosing has created a sense of panic. The government is making it difficult for them to treat their patients, which I view as a violation and debasement of their duties as doctors.

I believe it is hypocritical for our government to impose restrictions on doctors who are just trying to do their jobs, while liquor stores continue to operate with no limits on purchases, and bars are unable or unwilling to monitor the inebriation of their customers.

(Since I was an alcoholic for 25 years, I know whereof I speak.)

If there is a crisis in this country, it’s the fault of those who deal in and greatly profit from illicit drugs. The real crisis is that we don’t seem to be able to stem the flow: How are they getting from the manufacturer to the pockets of our citizens?

Maybe it’s time for the drug manufacturers to come under some very serious scrutiny by the government. Is anybody listening on Capitol Hill?

Rosetta A. Rogers, Aurora