> But recent studies estimate that 21 to 29 percent of patients prescribed opioids end up misusing them, and the rate of addiction actually ranges between 8 and

> But recent studies estimate that 21 to 29 percent of patients prescribed opioids end up misusing them, and the rate of addiction actually ranges between 8 and 12 percent. Apart from the problems about how opioids are prescribed that were touched on in the article, one of the big problems with how opioids and other potentially addictive drugs are prescribed is that there's incredibly poor eduction around addiction, and a deep societal stigma against addiction. Drug dependance and addiction isn't a moral or mental failing. It can (and does) happen to the most virtuous and intelligent people. Patients aren't educated to recognise the symptoms of beginning dependence and addiction, and if they do recognise it, they're reluctant to communicate this with their doctor for fear of being cut off entirely. Instead of being open and up front when they start to develop a problem, because of stigma and fear of being labelled a junkie, people will hide their behaviour, causing further problems. Also, because of the attached stigma, friends and family will often be reluctant to raise any concerns they have. Your kind of response is exactly the kind of attitude and stigma that furthers the problem.