And yet the CDC notes that your likelihood of developing opioid use disorder rises precipitously after as little as five days on prescription opioids. https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/volumes/66/wr/mm6610a1.htm

Regardless of whether or not this accounts for the majority of addictions, it is sufficient to say that opioids are far more dangerous for patients than many doctors believe. Addressing prescribing habits is a necessary part of a multi-pronged solution to opioid addiction.