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Increase in Pain Medication Distribution Correlates with Increase in Patient Need, but also Rise in Abuse, AP Reports
Distribution of pain medications oxycodone and hydrocodone has risen dramatically between 2000 and 2010, particularly in certain areas of the US, according to an Associated Press (AP) analysis of Drug Enforcement Administration data. The report indicates that distribution of hydrocodone has increased particularly in Appalachia and in the Midwest. In addition, the increased distribution of these drugs correlates with a rise in fatalities due to overdose and with an increase in pharmacy robberies in the states of New Mexico, Nevada, Utah, and Florida, according to the article. The article also indicates that the increased use of these drugs is due in part to “the aging U.S. population with pain issues and a greater willingness by doctors to treat pain.” However, the article also notes that prescription drug addiction may be driving the increased volume of distribution for these drugs, since some abusers will doctor shop to obtain these medications.
