Moving beyond misuse and diversion: the urgent need to consider the role of iatrogenic addiction in the current opioid epidemic.
Publication/Presentation Date
11-1-2014
Abstract
An epidemic of drug overdose deaths has led to calls for programs and policies to limit misuse and diversion of opioid medications. Any parallel call to consider the risk of iatrogenic addiction when treating pain has been muted in comparison. We have moved beyond questions of nonmedical use, abuse, and diversion to highlight the role of prescription opioids in causing addiction even when prescribed and used appropriately. Unfortunately, current evidence is insufficient, and a rapid expansion of longitudinal research is urgently needed to guide clinicians in balancing the need for opioids with the risk of adverse consequences. Meanwhile, medical education should place greater emphasis on the abuse liability of prescription opioids, and providers should endeavor to attenuate risk when possible.
Volume
104
Issue
11
First Page
2023
Last Page
2029
ISSN
1541-0048
Published In/Presented At
Beauchamp GA, Winstanley EL, Ryan SA, Lyons MS. Moving beyond misuse and diversion: the urgent need to consider the role of iatrogenic addiction in the current opioid epidemic. Am J Public Health. 2014 Nov;104(11):2023-9. doi: 10.2105/AJPH.2014.302147. Epub 2014 Sep 11.
Disciplines
Medicine and Health Sciences
PubMedID
25211712
Department(s)
Department of Emergency Medicine, Department of Emergency Medicine Faculty, Toxicology Division
Document Type
Article