Study Finds Nearly 25% of Patients on Long-Acting Opioids Develop Addiction

Recent research reveals that approximately one in four individuals prescribed long-acting opioids, such as OxyContin, may develop opioid use disorder within a year of starting treatment. This comprehensive study, mandated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and released in early May 2025, challenges previous industry claims that addiction rates were below 1%. The findings indicate a significantly higher addiction risk, raising concerns about the safety and efficacy of these medications for chronic pain management.

The study underscores that 22.5% of patients on extended-release opioids became addicted within a year, a stark contrast to earlier promotional assertions by drug manufacturers like Purdue Pharma, which marketed these drugs as largely safe with minimal addiction potential. These drugs, designed to provide continuous pain relief, have contributed to the ongoing opioid epidemic, which has resulted in over 800,000 deaths in the U.S. since 1999.

The release of this data has prompted the FDA to consider regulatory changes, including potential label modifications and constraints on the approval of long-acting opioids. Advocacy groups and health experts question the ethics of marketing and prescribing practices, especially given the evidence of harm. Purdue Pharma, currently involved in bankruptcy proceedings to settle opioid-related legal claims, declined to comment on the findings, while other pharmaceutical companies have not responded.

Historically, efforts to understand the true addictiveness of these medications have been hampered by industry lobbying and debate over what constitutes addiction. mounting evidence suggests that the risks of dependence outweigh the benefits in many cases, emphasizing the need for safer pain management alternatives.

This study highlights the urgent need for re-evaluation of prescribing practices and increased scrutiny of long-term opioid use in managing chronic pain, to prevent further addiction and protect public health.

Source: https://medicalxpress.com/news/2025-05-quarter-people-opioids-addiction-reveals.html