7 percent in 2013-2014. These percentages were linked to a spike in long-term use, an increase of nearly 2 percent to over 5 percent.
In stark contrast, long-term opioid use went up from just over 45 percent in 1999-2000 to nearly 80 percent in 2013-2014.
“We need to monitor changes in patterns of use and abuse of opioids as these patterns may indicate the impact of policies and changes in physician’s practice styles,” Mojtabai concluded. “This type of research may also identify groups of patients who are at increased risk for the adverse consequences of opioid use.”
Author: Cesar Gamboa
Cesar Gamboa is a staff reporter and editor for Addiction Now covering topics ranging from legislation to scientific studies. He was previously a general assignment reporter for the Orange County Register. SoCal raised, lover of books, and avid mountain biker (when he wants to be). He can be reached at cesarg@addictionnow.com.
