OVERVIEW
We are in the midst of an opioid epidemic – and opioid use is higher among people with IBD than in the general population. Opioid use decreases quality of life, increase the burden on the health system, and result in premature death. Thus, there is a need to define the nature and extent of prescribed opioid use in IBD. Using large health system databases, we will determine (1) how common opioid use in people with and without IBD and if this has changed with growing awareness of the opioid epidemic; (2) the impact of opioid use on interactions with the healthcare system, costs of healthcare, surgery, addiction treatment, and death; and (3) which patients are most likely to take opioids long-term. By understanding the trends in opioid use and their impact, we can develop strategies to minimize their use. This will inform health policy, improve patient care, and save lives.
