I have some unused ones from my hand surgery (he gave me a prescription "in case I needed it" and of course I didn't). This reminds me that I need to turn them in.

I am unsurprised by this study.

When I had some dental work under general a few years ago, my husband got into a massive fight with the nurse who told him to make sure to feed me one *while I was still under the influence of anesthesia and unable to consent*.

I was furious when I found out (I don't recall the incident, which proves I was unable to consent). Thankfully, my husband knew that my plan was to take them only if the pain was unbearable. Of course, I have a high tolerance for pain and a low tolerance for side effects from painkillers, so YMMV.

But if there's a next time I won't even fill such a prescription if I can avoid it. That's twice I've been prescribed them and not needed them at all.