Article ID | Journal | Published Year | Pages | File Type |
---|---|---|---|---|
9931775 | The Journal of Pain | 2005 | 11 Pages |
Abstract
Over the past 5 years, there have been reports, frequently anecdotal, that opioid analgesic abuse has evolved into a national epidemic. In this study, we report systematic data to indicate that opioid analgesic abuse has in fact increased among street and recreational drug users, with OxyContin and hydrocodone products the most frequently abused. Steps need to be taken to reduce prescription drug abuse, but very great care needs to be exercised in the nature of these actions so the legitimate and appropriate use of these drugs in the treatment of pain is not compromised as a result.
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Authors
Theodore J. Cicero, James A. Inciardi, Alvaro Muñoz,