Incidence of and Risk Factors for Chronic Opioid Use Among Opioid-Naive Patients in the Postoperative Period

Abstract

In the United States, chronic opioid use continues to impose a substantial burden in terms of morbidity and economic costs.¹ Opioid sales have increased sharply over the past decade,² particularly in the setting of noncancer pain,^3,4 with a concomitant increase in opioid-related overdoses and deaths.^2,5 In an effort to reduce chronic opioid use, researchers have identified potential risk factors, such as substance use disorders.^6-8