New research published by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) shows that the amount of opioid prescriptions written in America between 2010 and 2015 fell by 18%. Despite the success in reducing the number of Americans receiving opioid-based prescription drugs, the level still remains three times higher than it was back in 1999.
Overhaul of Prescription Practices behind Declining Numbers
In response to the rising number of opioid overdoses in the States, physicians have revised prescribing practices to prevent or reduce the risk of addiction. Nevertheless, thousands of lives are lost every year to prescription drugs like Vicodin, Opana, OxyContin, Percocet and many other brand names, despite more awareness of the issue.
While the CDC research may seem grim, there is some good news included too, such as a 41% fall in number of prescriptions with high doses since 2010. Although the impact of the decline of opioid prescriptions remains unclear for existing and future users, it is anticipated that the number of fatal overdoses will continue to fall even further in future years.
America has been battling the painkiller epidemic for some years and yet the CDC research shows that by simply reducing the supply of opioids, demand for them will undoubtedly be affected. Some believe that this will force prescription drugs on to the black market, driving the issue further underground, whereas others are more optimistic for the future.
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