CDC Report Highlights Opioid Prescription Disparities; South Carolina's Rate a Concern

Why it matters locally: The CDC report on opioid prescription disparities directly impacts South Carolina residents because it underscores the ongoing fight against opioid addiction and overdose in our state. While the report uses 2012 data, it serves as a critical baseline and reminder of the risks associated with high opioid prescription rates. High prescription rates have been linked to increased risk of addiction, overdose deaths, and diversion of prescription drugs for illicit use, all of which negatively affect the health and safety of South Carolina communities. With key industries including healthcare and a growing population, South Carolina must ensure responsible prescribing practices to mitigate the opioid crisis.

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Atlanta — A Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) report, titled "Vital Signs,” released data revealing significant variations in opioid painkiller prescriptions across different states in 2012. The report emphasizes the potential risks associated with opioid use, specifically the danger of overdose. The report indicates that healthcare providers nationwide wrote approximately 259 million prescriptions for opioid painkillers in 2012. However, prescription rates differed substantially from state to state. The CDC's “Vital Signs” report aims to provide data and information on critical health issues. This particular report focused on prescription opioid use and its potential implications.