Abuse of opioid analgesics is increasing

AORN Journal, Feb, 2006

Prescription drug abuse is on the rise in rural, suburban, and small- to medium-sized urban communities, according to an Oct 19, 2005, news release from the American Pain Society. A study on trends in opioid drug abuse between 2002 and 2004 found that the cases of prescription drug abuse were reported by key informants, such as pain management specialists, addiction treatment professionals, and methadone specialists, in 60% of the areas that were surveyed. Abuse of oxycodone and hydrocodone products was by far the most prevalent and widespread during the course of the study. The study also found that

* more than 90% of oxycodone abusers classify themselves as Caucasian,

* 87% had past and current histories of multiple drug use and abuse, and

* 70% said a physician's prescription was their major source of obtaining the drug.

Study Documents Rise in OxyContin Abuse (news release, Glenview, Ill; American Pain Society, Oct 19, 2005).