Opioid Analgesic Addiction: A Growing Problem
Opioid analgesics, the commonly used class of medications prescribed to treat pain, have become a major public health issue in the United States. An estimated 2.1 million Americans have a substance use disorder related to opioid analgesic use, and more than 115 people die from an overdose of these medications every day (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2019). The misuse and abuse of opioid analgesics have had a devastating impact on individuals, families, and communities across the country.
The use of opioid analgesics has become increasingly common in the U.S. in recent decades. Between 1999 and 2018, the amount of prescription opioids sold to pharmacies, hospitals, and other healthcare facilities in the US quadrupled (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2019). This increase in availability was accompanied by an increase in misuse, abuse, and addiction.
Opioid analgesic addiction is a complex issue with multiple contributing factors. One of the primary factors is the way in which opioid analgesics are prescribed. Overprescribing of opioid analgesics has become an issue in the U.S., with more than one-third of opioid medications being unused or unused by the patient (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2019). This has led to an increase in the availability of opioid medications, which can then be diverted and misused.
In addition, the use of opioids for non-medical reasons, such as recreational use or self-medication, has also been on the rise. This has been particularly common among adolescents and young adults, who are more likely to misuse opioids than any other age group (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2019).
The rise of opioid analgesic addiction has had a profound impact on individuals, families, and communities. Overdoses, substance use disorders, and other health problems are all associated with the misuse and abuse of opioid analgesics. In addition, the economic costs associated with opioid misuse are substantial. Estimates suggest that the economic burden of prescription opioid misuse alone in the U.S. was $78.5 billion in 2013 (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2019).
To address this growing issue, a comprehensive approach is needed. This should include efforts to reduce the over-prescription of opioid analgesics, increased access to treatment for those with opioid analgesic addiction, and improved education about the risks associated with opioid use. Additionally, efforts should be made to reduce the availability of non-prescription opioids, which can be misused and lead to addiction.
In summary, opioid analgesic addiction is a growing problem in the U.S. with devastating consequences. To effectively address this issue, a comprehensive approach is needed that includes efforts to reduce over-prescribing, increased access to treatment, and improved education about the risks associated with opioid use.
References
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2019). Opioid overdose. Retrieved from https://www.cdc.gov/drugoverdose/index.html