As the logistics experts of healthcare, distributors deliver millions of prescription medicines and healthcare products to hundreds of thousands of providers, including pharmacies, hospitals and healthcare facilities, across the country. But their relationships with these customers is about more than just delivery — distributors offer additional services that allow their customers to focus on patients and remain competitive in the marketplace.

The opioid abuse epidemic is a complex and multifaceted issue that progressed over decades of federal policy and clinical practice that encouraged prescription opioids as the primary option for pain management. But recent media coverage does not provide the full picture and leaves out important details about the epidemic and its origins.

A comprehensive understanding of the multiple drivers of the opioid abuse epidemic is key to moving forward with solutions to address this public health crisis.