Among Older Americans, the Poorest Are Most Likely to Have Opioid Prescriptions

Among Americans aged 65 and older, the poorest are the most likely to have used prescription opioids, according to a study published by the Journal of Gerontology: Social Sciences . The poor had about double the rate of opioid use compared to wealthier groups, largely because they could not afford alternative treatments, reports MarketWatch . There are long-term risks from use of opioids even when they are used exactly as prescribed, noted Hanna Grol-Prokopczyk, an assistant professor in the University at Buffalo's sociology department and the study's author. These risks include increased risk of depression, suppressed immune systems, and an increase in mortality from causes other than overdose, including cardiovascular and respiratory events. "Policies and practices should make sure that disadvantaged groups receive information about the risks of opioids and have access to alternate pain treatments," said Grol-Prokopczyk.