40 patients scheduled for carpal tunnel release were randomized to either receive or not receive a preoperative opioid counseling intervention. Patients were followed up for the first 3 days after surgery. Outcomes included the number of narcotic pills consumed and pain scores on a numerical rating scale (NRS). Pill consumption for the remainder of the day of surgery and for postoperative day 1 was significantly lower in the preoperative opioid counseling group compared to the control group. Pain scores on the remained for the day or surgery, and on postoperative days 1, 2, and 3 did not significantly differ between groups.