Summary

The marked, steady increase in the use of prescribed opioids since 2000 is matched by a steady increase in death by drug overdose. In 2008, death by drug overdose surpassed motor vehicle accidents as the leading cause of accidental death in the United States [Warner M et al. National Center for Health Statistics Data Brief #81. 2011]. This article discusses changes in prescription policy, as well as insights into current prescribing patterns, problematic opioid use, and education needs.