Substance use disorders and psychiatric conditions may be associated with long-term opioid use

A new report published by researchers from Indiana University (IN, USA) suggests a link between psychiatric conditions and risk of long-term opioid use. In recent years, there has been growing evidence in the USA that patients who are at the highest risk of adverse outcomes from opioids are more likely to receive long-term opioid therapy. In particular, it appears that those with substance use disorders and other psychiatric conditions have a higher chance of being prescribed opioids. This latest study examined health insurance claims and was published in the journal Pain. The researchers used a national insurance database to identify...