I had a medical issue with incredible pain in France, I have not been given an addictive pain killer, they started with the most common (Tylenol), then went one notch up (Acupan) when it became ineffective (I think I am very receptive because I rarely take medicines).

But doctors have to be willing to spend the time to follow the patient and do the gradation instead of going straight for the strongest thing in the toolbox and avoiding coming back to the issue (which I feel would be a given in the country where they have the highest pay).

> But doctors have to be willing to spend the time to follow the patient and do the gradation instead of going straight for the strongest thing in the toolbox

I know in the U.S. addicts/dealers will sometimes go "doctor shopping"[1]. Most U.S. doctors don't track or even realize when a chronic pain patient (or any patient, for that matter) doesn't follow up and a doctor wouldn't typically be told if a patient decided to seek treatment from another physician.

I would guess "doctor shopping" would be more difficult in France under the single-payer healthcare system? Do you mind explaining how your system works? Is it difficult to change doctors? Or to get a second opinion? If a patient doesn't follow-up with the doctor will someone from the doctor's office check in?

[1]https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Doctor_shopping

In the US it is very similar. I’m in my 30s and never had the option to use painkiller for neck and back pain. In fact, the only time I ever received it was after a dental operation which removed an impacted and painful wisdom tooth.

A lot of people will just doctor shop until they find one who will prescribe painkillers.

That doesn't match my experience.

Both times I've dislocated my shoulder I've been sent home from the ER with percocet that I didn't need (and never took). They wouldn't even let me opt-out, and sent it home with me "just in case."

I know my American mother in law got oxycotin on first intention without specific instructions or recommendation after an operation.

Europe generally has decent mental and physical health treatments as well as decent social security nets which results in less people having to self medicate with legal or illegal drugs.