Monash University researchers find Australians increasingly addicted to prescription drugs

Australians are increasingly addicted to prescription opioids, with a new study showing that more than 1.9 million adults are starting to take the drugs each year.

Australia is in the midst of a prescription opioid epidemic as a new study shows more than 1.9 million adults are starting to take the addictive drugs each year.

Researchers from Monash University analysed the disbursement of opioids through the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme over five years and found 50,000 Aussies are long-term users.

The results come as overdose from prescription medicines have overtaken road deaths and illicit drug overdoses as a leading cause of death in Australia. Long-term users in the study were identified as those continuing to use the drugs for more than 12 months.

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Overdoses from prescription medicines have overtaken road deaths and illicit drug overdoses as a leading cause of death in Australia.

The research, published today in the British Journal of Clinical Pharmacology, highlighted how a growing number of patients are starting on stronger opioids, increasing their risk of addiction.

PhD candidate Samanta Lalic was part of the team that undertook the research and said a “real cause for concern” came from the combination of long-term use and strength of prescription opioids.

“For the treatment of chronic pain, we need to change prescribing culture and raise the level of awareness of other treatment options among patients,” the Austin Health pharmacist said. “In many cases, the safest and most effective way to treat chronic pain will involve a combination of therapies, including exercise, physiotherapy and non-opioid painkillers.”

The Australian Institute of Health and Welfare has revealed deaths involving opioids have nearly doubled in the past 10 years. Picture: Getty Images

Ms Lalic also said high-dose opioids were associated with car accidents, falls, fractures and hospital treatment.

The research follows a report from the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, which revealed deaths involving opioids had nearly doubled in the past 10 years.

Ms Lalic recommended greater input from medical experts when prescribing the medication.

“Opioids do have an important role in managing cancer pain and acute non-cancer pain,” she said. “But their ­effectiveness in dealing with long-term, non-cancer pain remains questionable.”

Australia’s Therapeutic Goods Administration last year called for patients and health professionals to assess the high rates of opioid prescribing.

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