Maybe sometimes. But the major side effect of opioids is constipation. Unless they're idiots, and overdose for recreation. You don't see respiratory collapse in

Maybe sometimes. But the major side effect of opioids is constipation. Unless they're idiots, and overdose for recreation. You don't see respiratory collapse in well-managed opioid patients. It's typically caused by prescriber error. And yes, by idiot thrill seekers, and people carelessly combining their opioids with other drugs (e.g., zolpidem) or alcohol. But that's a minor issue, in the context of the pain relief that they get. I do admit, though, that US doctors have tended in recent years to over-prescribe. Partly because it's faster and less hassle to prescribe opioids than physical therapy. And because physical therapy tends to cost more for patients and insurance companies. And also because the compliance rate for physical therapy tends to be low. People are busy, and want quick results. But still, focusing on addiction as the main problem is, in my opinion, misguided. It's better to focus on people being well, and able to enjoy their lives. And if, for whatever reason, that means taking opioids until they die, that's just how it is.