Nonmedical Use of Opioid Analgesics Obtained Directly From Physicians: Prevalence and Correlates

Abstract

In light of significant risks associated with opioid use, physicians are encouraged to monitor patients to whom they prescribe them.^1,2 Guidelines have endorsed physician-initiated treatment agreements and urine drug testing,³ despite equivocal efficacy.⁴ Nonmedical use of opioids has increased in conjunction with opioid prescribing and is associated with addiction, overdose, and death. To understand the impact physicians can have on nonmedical use of opioids, studies that examine the sources of these opioids are needed. This study investigates the source of opioids used nonmedically, the features of patients who obtain these opioids from physicians, and the extent to which nonphysician sources are used.