New research highlights scale of painkiller addiction

Nearly one in ten patients experiences opioid dependence or opioid use disorder and nearly one in three shows symptoms of dependence and opioid use disorder, according to new research published in Addiction.

In a literature review of studies defining problematic opioid use, the researchers found the following prevalence (frequency) of problematic opioid use in each category:

1. Dependence and opioid use disorder: 3 per cent, or nearly one in 10 patients.

2. Signs and symptoms of dependence and opioid use disorder: 6 per cent, nearly one in three patients.

3. Aberrant behaviour: 22 per cent, more than one in five patients.

4. At risk of dependence and opioid use disorder: 4 per cent, nearly one in eight patients.

Lead author and Professor of Public Health Medicine at the University of Bristol Kyla Thomas said: “Knowing the size of the problem is a necessary step to managing it.”

Addiction charity Turning Point has called for a more joined-up approach with specialists in the areas of pain, addictions and mental health.

Clinical guidance news