1 in 3 long-term prescription opioid users say they’re addicted
Among patients who have been taking prescription opioids for more than two months, one-third said they are addicted or psychically dependent on them. Also, 60 percent of users said their physician offered no advice on how or when to stop taking the drugs.
According to the Kaiser Family Foundation/Washington Post survey, 35 percent said their doctor didn’t provide enough information on the risk of addiction from taking opioids.
“Why isn’t it 100 percent?” demanded Gary Mendell, founder of the anti-addiction group Shatterproof, referring to the share who say doctors have counseled them on stopping the medication. “It’s unbelievable that it’s not 100 percent.”
The poll did find these treatments to be effective, as far as patients are concerned, with most long-term users saying opioids allowed them to relieve pain which would otherwise prevent them from walking or working. Two-thirds of respondents say those benefits are worth the risk of addiction.
For more on the survey results, including the answers which indicate physicians share the blame for the spike in opioid addiction, click on the link below:
John joined TriMed in 2016, focusing on healthcare policy and regulation. After graduating from Columbia College Chicago, he worked at FM News Chicago and Rivet News Radio, and worked on the state government and politics beat for the Illinois Radio Network. Outside of work, you may find him adding to his never-ending graphic novel collection.