In 2013 there were 16,235 deaths from opioid analgesics; a four-fold increase from 1999. This increase is influenced by over-prescribing, patient non-adherence, unanticipated co-morbidities, and drug-drug interactions. Physicians, nurses, physician assistants, pharmacists, and program administrators can make an impact in decreasing opioid overdose and abuse rates in their communities.