Optimizing Abuse-Deterrent Opioids Market

An estimated 15.7 million people aged 12 or older have used prescription drugs non-medically in the past year, according to Dr. Wayne Winegarden’s State Factor on the American opioid crisis. In 2008, the record of abuse and misuse of prescription opioids accounted for an estimated $55.7 million in healthcare, workplace and criminal justice costs. Many states face regulatory and legislative barriers that make it difficult or unlikely for patients to access new abuse-deterrent opioid formulations. This report explores the benefits of abuse-deterrent formulations (ADFs) of prescription opioids and offers lawmakers aiming to address addiction issues in their states recommendations on how to expand patient access to the new medical technologies that treat pain and help prevent opioid abuse.