Any Use and Frequent Use of Opioids among Non-Elderly Adults in 2015-2016, by Socioeconomic Characteristics

Currently in the United States, prescription opioids are commonly used to treat both chronic and acute pain. These drugs can help manage some types of pain, but due to serious risks of opioid use disorder and overdose—particularly with high dosages and long-term use—opioids are not recommended as the first-line treatment for most types of pain.1 Examining patterns of use of prescribed opioids can contribute to efforts to make appropriate use of these drugs.