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Opioid Dispensing Trends Among Children and Adolescents Age 19 in the US: Study Reveals Declining Rates

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

A recent study examining opioid dispensing trends among children and adolescents aged 19 in the United States reveals a significant decline in opioid prescribing rates from 2018 to 2022. According to the National Center for Injury Prevention and Control, since 2019, adolescent overdose deaths have more than doubled, primarily due to illegally-made fentanyl. The analysis of opioid dispensing trends among individuals aged 19 years supports safer prescribing practices and highlights the importance of targeted outreach to high-prescribing specialties.

Key Takeaways:

  • Opioid dispensing rates decreased by 36% from 2018 to 2022, from 46.9 to 30.2 prescriptions per 1,000 youth.
  • Declines were observed across all age groups, with the largest reduction seen in children aged 0-2 years (59.2%).
  • Short-acting opioids comprised 99.4% of prescriptions, with a decline of 42.8%, while long-acting formulations declined by 27.3%.
  • Dentists and surgical subspecialists accounted for the highest proportions of prescribing (34.8% and 23.7% respectively).
  • Pediatricians accounted for 2% of prescribing, with a 56% reduction over the study period.
  • Targeted outreach to high-prescribing specialties may further improve the safety of opioid use in acute pain management.

Statistics:

  • Opioid dispensing rates decreased by 36% from 2018 to 2022.
  • The largest reduction in opioid dispensing rates was seen in children aged 0-2 years (59.2%).
  • Short-acting opioids comprised 99.4% of prescriptions and declined by 42.8%.
  • Dentists and surgical subspecialists accounted for 58.5% of opioid prescribing.
  • Pediatricians accounted for 2% of prescribing and saw a 56% reduction over the study period.

Sources:

  • Opioid Dispensing Trends Among Children and Adolescents Aged 19 Years in the United States: 2018-2022. Journal of Adolescent Health, 2025.
  • National Center for Injury Prevention and Control. (n.d.). Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Retrieved from https://www.cdc.gov/

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