The International association for the study of pain and the World medical association stated
that receiving a fair treatment of pain is a right of each individual. Moderate or high intensity cases of
pain are treated with opiates. In Italy, in 2010, a new legislation has been issued, one of the most advanced
on the topic of the treatment of pain and the usage of opiates. Although the legislative progresses,
the consumption of opiates is not so common and ranks far behind the other European countries. The
analysis of the spread of opiates in the treatment of pain pointed out relevant differences in terms of gender,
age, region, cancer, type of opioid prescribed. It should then take action to make consistent use of
opiates in pain therapy, focusing in particular on cancer patients and territorial differences. The analysis
of religiosity as a potential barrier to pain management and opiates usage allowed us to conclude, however,
that it is a factor that influences the number of prescriptions of opiates, even if the moderate effect.
Public policies should respect personal choices (also religious ones), but it is important broadcasting
some appropriate information campaigns which allow to make independent and informed choices.
Key words. Opioids, pain, religiosity.
JEL classification. I18.
