Roughly 100 million Americans suffer from chronic pain, which is pain that lasts for six months or more.
Penney Cowan with the American Chronic Pain Association told California Life these people often suffer in silence, because chronic pain can be difficult to explain to others.
“Pain is invisible and you can’t see it,” Cowan said. “People look ok and it’s hard to really believe that they have pain.”
For those with severe pain, opioids, such as morphine and oxycodone, are often prescribed. But these drugs have hidden side effects that can be deadly.
Getting the word out about these dangers is part of a new campaign called “America Starts Talking.”
For more on the campaign and what’s being done to help raise awareness of prescription opioid safety, check out our story below, and be sure to visit www.AmericaStartsTalking.com.
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