DEA'S HEAVY HAND

Your story on the court ruling regarding pain treatment (Page 1A, Aug. 22)
did not mention the most influential issue facing physicians attempting to
deal with patient pain: the war on drugs and the Drug Enforcement
Administration.

Since our society seems to have accepted the premise of a military/police
influence on the treatment of pain, most physicians have acquiesced to the
idea that it's better to under-medicate pain than experience the wrath of
the drug prohibitionists.

Should anyone doubt the influence of the DEA, note the "DEA identification"
number found on pharmacy prescriptions given to you by your physician. To
have the criminal justice system involved in the treatment of pain should
be a crime.

Martin Kavanagh

Saratoga