In most cases, courts will not find prescribing physicians liable for opioid addiction. If a patient abused the prescription and then moved into illegal substance abuse, the onus remains on the user. However, some unique cases may represent acts of malpractice. A physician who knowingly prescribes a narcotic to a former heroin user, for example, may be guilty of malpractice.
In a less clear example of liability, a physician may also bear responsibility for failing to help a patient find a pain management solution beyond narcotic use. Every case is different and may include different elements of personal and professional responsibility.