In recent years, the use of opioids in Denmark has been under scrutiny due to various government measures to reduce consumption, greater media focus and Denmark's relatively larger consumption of opioids compared with the Nordic neighbours. Consequently, opioid prescriptions in Denmark have declined since 2017. A more nuanced approach to opioid treatment for non-malignant chronic pain, which includes individualised treatment as well as enhanced interdisciplinary collaboration, is required as argued in this review.