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Systematic review reveals significant variability among opioid use rates

Among patients prescribed opioids for chronic pain, between 20% and 30% may be misusing the drugs, with nearly 10% being addicted, according to a recently published study in Pain.

“On average, misuse was documented in approximately one out of four or five patients and addiction in approximately one out of 10 or 11 patients who were prescribed opioids as part of their treatment for chronic pain” Kevin E. Vowles, PhD, assistant professor, Department of Psychology at University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, and colleagues said in a press release.

Researchers conducted a systematic review of 38 previous published studies on opioid use for chronic pain to provide updated and expanded estimates regarding problematic opioid usage. Vowles and colleagues used clearly defined terms — misuse, abuse and addiction — to categorize patterns of opioid use.

Rates of problematic opioid use varied greatly among studies, ranging from less than 1% to 81%. The average rate of misuse ranged from between 21% and 29% (range; 95% CI, 13%-38%) and addiction average ranged from 8% to 12% (range; 95% CI, 3%-17%).

Only one reviewed studied reported abuse rates for participants. Of all reviewed studies, only three were conducted outside the U.S., which researchers noted could suggest that problematic opioid usage is an issue exclusively pertinent to the U.S.

Due to demonstrated relevance, researchers suggest that future studies detail participants’ demographics, such as age, gender and ethnicity, along with pain-related details, such as location and duration of pain.

“We are not certain whether the benefits derived from opioids, which are rather unclear based on the extant literature, compensate for this additional burden to patients and health care systems,” Vowles and colleagues wrote. – by Casey Hower

Disclosure: The researchers report no relevant financial disclosures.