COLUMBUS, Ohio - Opioid prescribing in Ohio declined for the fourth consecutive year in 2016, according to a new report from the Ohio State Board of Pharmacy.
According to the report, the total number of opioids dispensed to Ohio patients decreased by more than 20 percent over the last four years. It also found that fewer people are engaging in the practice of doctor shopping since 2012.
"This report highlights the state's continued efforts to promote best practices when treating patients with prescription opioids," said State of Ohio Board of Pharmacy Executive Director Stephen W. Schierholt. "I am confident that such best practices, including the use of the Ohio Automated Rx Reporting System, will further decrease opioid prescribing and expose fewer Ohioans to these potentially addictive medications."
"Ohio has one of the most comprehensive approaches to address the responsible prescribing of opioid pain relievers. The progress shown in these data illustrate that our partnership with prescribers is helping to reduce opportunities for prescription opioid misuse and addiction," said Tracy Plouck, Director of the Ohio Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services.