CDC: More than 20% of US adults take opioids for chronic pain

Kate Smith, MD, MPH General

More than 1 in 5 U.S. adults were taking opioids to deal with their chronic pain in 2019, according to a new CDC report based on a large, national survey that asked people about opioid prescriptions in the three months prior to being surveyed.

Highlights:

  • Use of opioids for pain increased with age, but declined after age 65;
  • Women, people who are unemployed, and individuals with family income below the federal poverty level were more likely to report an opioid prescription

Read the report

Take Action!

Kate Smith, MD, MPH Alzheimers, Asthma, COPD, COVID-19, Diabetes, drug abuse, General, Heart disease, Hypertension, noncommunicable disease, Stroke

Looking for guidance on strategies to increase the health of your community? Check out the County Health Rankings Guide! You will find a menu of evidence-informed policies and programs that can make a difference locally, step-by-step guidance and tools to help you move from data to action, and tips on how to identify the right partners and engage with them!

CDC: Some Chronic Conditions Associated with Tooth Loss

Kate Smith, MD, MPH General

Extensive tooth loss can lead to poor diet resulting in weight loss or obesity. It can also detract from physical appearance and impede speech, factors that can restrict social contact, inhibit intimacy, and lower self-esteem. Chronic medical conditions and oral conditions share common risk factors. Persons with chronic conditions are more likely to have untreated dental disease, which can result in tooth loss. Read more.