Prescription Opioid Misuse and Public Health Approach in Australia

Abstract

The number of opioid prescriptions has increased significantly over the last few years due to multiple factors, such as physicians' heightened attention to pain management, greater prevalence of chronic pain due to the aging population, and the availability of sustained-release opioid preparations. Correspondingly, this has been associated with a rise in considerable harm due to opioid misuse, which is recognized as a national health priority in Australia. This article outlines the major public health approaches that have been introduced in Australia to address this issue. Opioid misuse can be addressed through establishing a real-time prescription drug monitoring program, ensuring adequate access to affordable and high quality medication-assisted treatment, and promoting physicians' use of the evidence-based guideline on appropriate opioid prescribing.