The opioid crisis[1] remains a significant public health challenge in the United States. In 2022, over 2.5 million American adults[2] had an opioid use disorder, and opioids accounted for nearly 76% of overdose deaths[3].
Some patients are fearful of using opioids[4] after surgery due to concerns about dependence and potential side effects, even when appropriately prescribed by a doctor to manage pain. Surgery is often the first...