Search
 

Reducing Narcotics Abuse in Workers' Compensation

It is estimated that narcotics account for almost 40 percent of workers' compensation medication costs.

By Tron Emptage, Rph, Ma | Updated on April 14, 2010

Narcotics — also referenced as opiods or opiates — have long been used to therapeutically treat pain resulting from on-the-job injuries. They are often prescribed to alleviate pain after an injury first occurs, when other drugs are ineffective for acute pain, and in chronic pain cases.

The use of narcotics was evidenced in a recent article in the Journal of Workers Compensation, which estimated that narcotics account for an almost 40 percent of workers’ compensation medication costs. And while narcotics can be beneficial in the treatment plan of an injured worker, there are serious risks involved when they are not used properly.

The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), both indicate increasing misuse and abuse of narcotics over the past decade. SAMHSA data shows that there was a significant increase from 2000 to 2006 in the treatment of substance abuse cases related to abuse of opiod analgesics.

Want to continue reading?
Become a Free
PropertyCasualty360 Digital Reader.

INCLUDED IN A DIGITAL MEMBERSHIP:

  • All PropertyCasualty360.com news coverage, best practices, and in-depth analysis.
  • Educational webcasts, resources from industry leaders, and informative newsletters.
  • Other award-winning websites including BenefitsPRO.com and ThinkAdvisor.com.

Already have an account?

NOT FOR REPRINT

© 2024 ALM Global, LLC, All Rights Reserved. Request academic re-use from www.copyright.com. All other uses, submit a request to [email protected]. For more information visit Asset & Logo Licensing.

Dig Deeper

Recommended Stories

PropertyCasualty360

Join PropertyCasualty360

Don’t miss crucial news and insights you need to make informed decisions for your P&C insurance business. Join PropertyCasualty360.com now!

  • Unlimited access to PropertyCasualty360.com - your roadmap to thriving in a disrupted environment
  • Access to other award-winning ALM websites including BenefitsPRO.com, ThinkAdvisor.com and Law.com
  • Exclusive discounts on PropertyCasualty360, National Underwriter, Claims and ALM events

Already have an account? Sign In Now
Join PropertyCasualty360

Copyright © 2024 ALM Global, LLC. All Rights Reserved.