National trends in long-term use of prescription opioids.

Abstract

This study examined recent trends and correlates of prescription opioid use and long-term use in the United States. Data were from 47356 adult participants of National Health and Nutrition Survey from 1999-2000 to 2013-2014. Participants were asked about prescription medications used in the past 30days. Long-term use of prescription opioids was defined by use for 90days or longer. The prevalence of prescription opioid use increased from 4.1% of US adults in 1999-2000 to 6.8% in 2013-2014 (odds ratio [OR]=1.38, 95% confidence interval [CI]=1.10-1.75, P=.007). This trend was driven by a sharp increase in long-term use which increased from 1.8% to 5.4% (OR=2.22, 95% CI=1.65-3.00, P<.001). Of all opioid users in 2013-2014, 79.4% were long-term users compared with 45.1% in 1999-2000. Long-term use was associated with poorer physical health, concurrent benzodiazepine use, and history of heroin use. The findings highlight the need for research on potential benefits and harms of long-term use of opioids and efforts to restrict long-term use to patients for whom the benefits outweigh the risks.