I've seen firsthand the impact of opioid use and the factors contributing to chronic use. Our research has shown that the initial prescription significantly determines whether an individual will develop a chronic opioid use disorder.
The number of pills prescribed, the duration of treatment and the choice of drug are all factors that can increase the risk of chronic use. Unfortunately, long-acting oxycodone was found to be a high-risk factor, but what was even more surprising was the discovery that tramadol, often marketed as a lower-risk alternative to opioids, is also a high-risk factor.
It's important for healthcare providers to be mindful of these findings and to consider alternative treatments when prescribing opioids. Taking a more cautious approach can help prevent the development of chronic opioid use disorders.
Gary Call is a family physician and health care executive.
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