Abstract
The most common medications prescribed today for chronic pain have a dangerous side effect. They are highly addictive. Nearly two million people are now addicted to hydrocodone, oxycodone, and similar medications, all derived from opium. So scientists are looking for an alternative in a surprising place-biochemical weapons employed by toxic plants and animals! Pain and poison were not part of God's original very good creation before Adam sinned. But it's astonishing to discover that even within the poisons that arose as a result of the Curse, the Creator put unique tools we can use to relieve some consequences of that Curse. Research suggests that many natural venoms and poisons contain specialized chemicals that can block pain without the adverse effects posed by opioid-based drugs.