Substance Abuse Regional Alliance
THE OPIOID EPIDEMIC
OVERPRESCRIBING
- Opioid prescribing in the U.S. hit its highest point in 2010 with providers writing more than 80 prescriptions per 100 patients
Since 2010 the number of prescriptions has dropped more than 10 percent.
Recent government data estimate that close to 92 million people (38 percent of the U.S. population) used prescription opioids in 2014–2015.2
MISUSE
According to the latest public data, a significant number of patients who are prescribed opioids for chronic pain misuse them. Many individuals who abuse pain medicines obtained the prescription drugs from a friend or family member.
STATISTICS
Approximately 53 percent of those who misused prescription pain relievers in the past year obtained the medicine from a friend or relative.4
As many as one in four people who receive prescription opioids long term for non-cancer pain in primary care settings struggle with addiction.
RIGHTS
Talk to your HCP about your pain relief options and how your opioid prescription is filled. Some states allow for partial-fill, which limits the amount of the prescription patients take home initially. Partial-fill prescription options help to limit leftover pills in circulation and minimize unnecessary opioid use.
RISKS
Prescription opioids carry serious risk of dependence, addiction or overdose, especially with prolonged use. Talk to your HCP and make sure you understand these potential risks and side effects.
RESPONSIBILITIES
You can help prevent misuse and abuse by properly storing your prescription opioids in a secure place and then safely disposing of any unused medication. Opioids are powerful medicines and can be dangerous when used in ways they are not intended.