Vital Signs: Changes in Opioid Prescribing in the United States, 2006–2015

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/volumes/66/wr/mm6626a4.htm?s_cid=mm6626a4_w

Prescription opioid-related overdoses have been making headlines in recent years, with the prevalence of deaths and opioid addiction.  In this study, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) looked at changes in prescriptions for opioids from 2006-2015.  The key points of the study suggest that even though the research shows that the number of opioids prescribed has decreased, the number of opioids that are prescribed in 2015 is three times higher than in 1999.  The research shows that there are differences in the amount of opioids prescribed when looking across the country, suggesting a lack of standards around prescribing opioids.  The report encourages providers to follow the CDC’s Guideline for Prescribing Opioids for Chronic Pain.  The use of this guide and non-opioid options for pain relief could save lives and reduce addiction in Scott County and other communities.