DOCTOR ANGRY THAT DRUG MANUFACTURERS MADE HIM OVERPRESCRIBE OPIATES FOR 20 YEARS

The Malingerer - As judgments mount against drug manufacturers over the "opioid crisis," Dr. Jeff Hanson is glad somebody is finally being held accountable. "It's about time," he says bluntly. "But it should have never gone this far." Even though opiates require prescriptions from doctors who are taught in medical school and residency that they are highly addictive and potentially fatal, he feels that drug manufacturers shoulder most of the blame. "Cute drug reps, flashy handouts, and free breakfast tacos are how this all started. They might as well have written the prescriptions themselves."

In an effort to punish someone for the crisis, state governments have largely gone after drug manufacturers and pharmacies for tobacco-like settlements. An attorney general who recently won a multi-billion dollar settlement against a manufacturer spoke to us on the condition of anonymity. "Look, I get it," he said. "Humans have known since the beginning of time that opiates are habit-forming and deadly, and doctors hand them out like candy. But drug manufacturers and pharmacies have gazillions of dollars, so nobody really cares when you stick it to them."

Despite all the attention the opioid crisis has garnered, Dr. Hanson says he still writes four to five opiate prescriptions a day. "What am I supposed to do?" he shrugs. "Tell a patient with back pain that he can't have 120 Norco every month? I don't have the time. My practice is very busy. Besides, the drug companies started this - it's not my job to finish it."