A recent history of opioid use in the US: Three decades of change

Abstract

Background: The opioid epidemic in the United States is a problem that has developed over decades. While clinical, regulatory, and legislative changes have been implemented to combat this issue, changes will not be immediate. Moreover, the changes that have been carried out may have unintended negative consequences such as increased use of illicit opioids (e.g., heroin and synthetics) and challenges in effective and appropriate pain management.

Objectives: This review focuses on the last three decades and presents key changes the United States has seen in the use of opioids. Conclusions/Importance: There have been numerous policy changes and programs aimed at decreasing opioid use and abuse in the United States; however, it will take a major shift in the mindset of clinicians, the general public, and policy makers to alleviate this epidemic.

Keywords:

• Opioid
• addiction
• history
• substance abuse
• opioid policy
• opioid use disorder
• substance use disorder

Acknowledgment

This research did not receive any funding from funding agencies in the public, commercial, or not-for-profit sectors nor does a commercial relationship exist in the form of financial support or personal financial interest. This manuscript has not been published elsewhere and it has not been submitted simultaneously for publication elsewhere.

Disclosure statement

The authors report no conflicts of interest. The authors alone are responsible for the content and writing of the paper.