Yeah, but I'm not sure how much of an effect it has on the quantity of opioids prescribed. Drug lunches probably influenced which drug I prescribe (for some reason Norco was the most popular oral opioid in our hospital, maybe because it only has 2 syllables). Though I've never attended an opioid lunch.

Free lunches, pens, merchandise, cruises...all of these tactics work and have proven ROI for the drug manufacturers. They've known for years that they're worthwhile investments. It's not really the doctor's fault, it's just reality until there's stricter regulation.

It is absolutely a doctor's fault if they prescribe medications that are unnecessary because of kickbacks.

Yes, but it's also human nature, or big pharma couldn't rely on it. If we care about this stuff, it needs to be legislated or reorganized away, it's not realistic to expect 'people to do a better job'.

It's not really their fault if companies exploit their subconscious biases. They aren't taking any meaningful bribe and acting on it, they are just interacting with those companies.

Norco is common because it's a mild opioid that is able to treat the majority of "intermediate" pains. If your pain can be treated with ibuprofen you don't need urgent care. If it can't then Norco is the lightest alternative most likely to help.