Despite the industry’s reluctance to talk openly about it, opioid abuse is costing firms money and threatening lives. Opening the conversation could be the first step to combating the problem.
By Laurie Cowin | Construction Drive
Drug overdoses claimed more than 64,000 American lives in 2016, which is nearly double the amount only a decade ago. Theories vary about the reasons behind the dramatic increase, although many attribute it to doctors prescribing of opioid medications more frequently. Despite stagnant levels of reported patient pain, prescription opioid sales to pharmacies, hospitals and doctors’ offices nearly quadrupled from 1999 to 2010.
