The Opioid Epidemic

Increases in opioid prescribing over the last several decades is correlated with an alarming increase in opioid-related morbidity and mortality owing to both prescription opioid misuse and abuse as well as heroin abuse. Prescribing after surgery is commonly in excess, and leftover pills are an important driver of opioid use disorders owing to diversion and misuse. Creating evidence-based prescribing guidelines based on patient-centered outcomes and encouraging safe opioid storage and disposal is critical to curbing opioid-related morbidity and mortality going forward and to ensure safe and appropriate postoperative pain management.