Opioid abuse and poisoning: trends in inpatient and emergency department discharges.

Tedesco D, Asch SM, Curtin C, et al. Health Aff (Millwood). 2017;36:1748-1753.

Using data from the Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project, this retrospective secondary data analysis found an overall increase in opioid-related hospital visits, with a peak in 2010 and gradual decline since then. Coincident with the decline in opioid-related visits, a sharp rise in heroin-related hospital visits emerged. These results underscore the concern that tighter controls on opioid medications may lead to heroin use.

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