148-study analysis shows 9% of chronic pain patients on prescription opioids experience dependence/use disorder, with 33% showing symptoms.

A study involving 148 studies and over 4.3 million chronic pain patients treated with prescription opioids found that nearly one in ten patients experiences opioid dependence or opioid use disorder, with nearly one in three showing symptoms of dependence and opioid use disorder. The research, led by the University of Bristol and funded by the National Institute for Health and Care Research, suggests that claims by pharmaceutical companies like Purdue Pharma underestimate the risk of opioid misuse and addiction. The findings highlight the urgent need for better awareness and prevention strategies concerning opioid painkiller use.

August 07, 2024
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