Doctors Withholding Pain Medications?

I dont claim to know all about the world of street drugs in America. I do know, from what I hear or read, that its become quite an epidemic. People are literally purchasing drugs on the street - have been for many years - and that one fact leads to all sorts of other crimes and tragedy. Thats why, of late, doctors have gotten to where they dont prescribe some medications - like pain meds. First of all, those addicted to drugs often have a habit of making appointments to convince doctors that they need more drugs. But others, they get the medications for the intent purpose of selling them on the streets.Before it affected me, personally, I was just aware of the drug problem in America. But, recently, two different circumstances presented themselves, and when I heard about them, I was very upset - and still am. Thats why Im making this plea to the doctors of our country. It is the duty of any doctor to help those who need it; it isnt their duty to clean up the underworld.Let me present the two cases. Both involved a close friend; Ive known one friend for nearly 40 years and the other for 25 years. Neither one of them do "drugs". The first friend had to have 12 teeth pulled to prepare for dentures. She assumed she would be in a lot of pain later - which she was - and asked if the doctor would be giving her something for the pain. She was promptly told that no narcotics were given out by their office! She was in horrible agony after the numbness wore off. She endured many hours of pain, over three or four days, and was unable to eat, sleep or get relief.The second situation Im aware of was even worse. This friend has had 5 hip surgeries because, as is widely known now, many of these replacement hips were - and are - faulty. Now having trouble with one of them again, he went to the doctor, and was told that the hip is broken in two places. He explained to the doctor that hes been in anguish and asked for something for pain. Yes, he was told that no narcotics are given by their office. Are you kidding? This is ridiculous! Sure, the drug problem in America is out of control, and, yes, doctors should do their part to keep people from obtaining narcotics without a legitimate reason. But, when it comes to conditions and procedures known to cause excruciating pain, and medication is withheld for fear that someone, somewhere on the street, might be selling or using drugs, it becomes a means of torture.My friend who had 12 teeth pulled is now well. My friend with the broken hip - and no insurance - is still in agony. He awaits financial help for yet another hip replacement while he lies in bed, dreading any movement at all.My plea is to the doctors of America: when you know for a fact that someone is suffering from a condition thats extremely painful, please write that prescription! A possible solution to those getting medications under false pretenses is to have drug stores keep track of people who fill many prescriptions for addictive narcotics. Weve gone from one extreme to the other - doctors writing too many prescriptions and, now, none at all - and its time we find a happy medium.