With more than a hint of pride will drug producers sometimes announce that a drug like Claritin or Prilosec can now be obtained without a prescription -- OTC. Well, this is, of course, partly due to us being able to tell when we have heartburn or the sneezies, when we don't think a doctor's diagnosis is going to be any more useful. The drug companies want to give consumers a (semblance of) control back, so they offer their drugs direct to the customer.
In my opinion, this is the way it should be with painkillers. We can tell when we have a headache or a minor back ache, so we buy Aleve.
But when the pain is worse, constant, and defies doctors' treatment (or he just doesn't care enough to help you out), then, really, isn't it about time you drove over to CVS (let's say), and browsed the shelves "serious pain relief" it say on the shelves, and you look around trying to make a right choice. Viciden or Percocet? 5 or 10 MG narcotic? And do you want it with or without tylenol. Need slow release? No problem, on the top shelf is the slow release stuff: Kadian, Fentanyl, and Oxycontin.
That's the was it should be. Card anyone who looks young, so no kids go around experimenting with drugs at a young age. Impose heavy sanctions. adults should know what they're doing to themselves, so it's they who are responsible for their behavior, not the Federal Government's.
We should all really take back our freedom in this country and INSIST that
1) The Criminal DEA is either disbanded or at least leaves doctors alone.
2) Narcotic drugs are made OTC
3) Pain is a vital sign that needs to be treated. It won't just go away if you think positive or apply ice.

We should start a petition. Make drugs accessible to patients!