I do not see addiction to pain meds, when they’re used for acute pain, and they stop when the pain stops.
This is a complex issue. People take pain meds for a wide variety of reasons, not related to their pain.
You also have genetic issues here as well. A family history of addiction may be a big factor. Interesting that Trump has never had a drop of alcohol. Very interesting. He even said, that if he started he’s be the best at it.
Represents a keen understanding of addiction, but he saw it first hand.
The use that you describe is really very normal. Most people take the meds, many times not all, and they stop. The bottles may still be in your cabinet half full.
OTOH, there are people out there who are really dependent on these meds, and they’re prescribed like water to them.
Trust me, I’m not pointing a finger at the patient, not even the doctor who is seeing 30 to 40 patients per day, and it’s easier to renew a pain med, than to look at getting them off. I’ve been there trust me, esp older patients. The really get upset if you don’t renew their pain meds.
There’s a place for pain meds, but there is wide spread abuse of these drugs... That’s the bottom line.
Again. What kind of physician are you?