Although things may be more strictly controlled now, it seems my (exaggerated) scenario was not far off the mark. From my casual reading, and a couple personal examples, many prescription addicts got their start after surgery or an accident. When they get their "jones on" (sorry if my street slang is sub-par) the doctor shopping and black market come into play.
I had spine surgery about six months ago. On discharge, the nurse gave me a bag with discharge instructions and a bottle of drugs she said was pain meds for seven days and if I needed more I would have to call for an appointment. Didn't think much about it until that evening when I was clear of the drugs they gave me in the hospital. I looked at the bottle and called a shrink friend and asked what is oxycotin (as I recall). He said it was an addictive pain killer. The bottle contained 48 pills. I remember thinking, "No wonder people get addicted," before flushing them.
