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Reversing Opiate Epidemic Requires Investigation Of Chronic Pain

America’s opiate epidemic has been well documented, and Arizona is not immune from that.

Public health officials are working on ways to combat the problem, and some of the underlying issues, as well.

Joining KJZZ's The Show to talk about that is Dr. Ben Bobrow, professor of emergency medicine at the University of Arizona College of Medicine and the medical director for the Bureau of Emergency Medical Services and Trauma System in the state health department.

"We really have two epidemics," Bobrow said. "One is the opiate overdose epidemic, but we have another epidemic that is sort of in parallel...that is the epidemic of chronic pain."

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Mark Brodie is a co-host of The Show, KJZZ’s locally produced news magazine. Since starting at KJZZ in 2002, Brodie has been a host, reporter and producer, including several years covering the Arizona Legislature, based at the Capitol.