This document contains information from multiple studies on opioid use and prescribing trends:
- A national survey from 1997-2007 found increases in opioid prescribing rates, with the highest rates (over 80 prescriptions per 100 persons) seen in those aged 61-80.
- Cohort and longitudinal studies from multiple countries showed increases in defined daily doses of opioids like morphine, codeine, and pethidine from the late 1980s through early 2000s.
- Studies analyzed trends in prescribing of different classes of pain medications like opioids, NSAIDs, and acetaminophen alone or in combination.