Long-Term Opioid Prescriptions Declined Over Past Decade but Remain Common in 2023

Long-term opioid prescribing in the United States has declined over the past decade, but millions of patients continued to receive extended opioid therapy in 2023, according to a research letter published in JAMA. The study, conducted by researchers from the University of Michigan, examined national trends in long-term opioid use, which involves dispensing opioids for 90 days or longer. This practice is commonly employed for managing chronic pain but carries significant risks, including addiction and overdose.

The analysis highlights ongoing patterns in extended opioid prescriptions despite efforts to reduce their prevalence. Researchers focused on data reflecting long-term therapy usage and noted that while overall prescribing rates have decreased, a substantial number of patients remain on prolonged regimens. The findings underscore the persistent presence of extended opioid use within healthcare systems and its associated challenges.

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Date: April 8, 2026

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