By Douglas C. Throckmorton, M.D.
Is America awash in opioids? You might think so after reading yet another journal or news article about the current opioid crisis. In 2016, an estimated 216 million opioid analgesic prescriptions were dispensed from U.S. retail pharmacies—as first-time prescriptions or refills.1 And when we no longer need those prescriptions we’re holding on to them. Take a look in any household in the U.S. and you will likely find unused prescription opioids. We know