Health Headlines and the Physician Perspective: Opioid Pain Medications

Opioid-based prescription pain medications are the third leading cause of death for Utah adults under 65 years of age. Given their dangers, should physicians continue to prescribe opioid pain medications? Orthopedic trauma surgeon Dr. Tom Higgins gives us his perspective. We ask him if there is still a use for them, if you should say no if your physician recommends them or be concerned if someone you love is using them, and what he thinks needs to be done.