Becker's Healthcare December 16, 2025
A study analyzing Medicaid data from 2001 to 2019 found shifts in prescribing trends for controlled medications, with declines in opioids, benzodiazepines and Z-hypnotics, but rising stimulant and gabapentin use among young adults. The findings underscore both improved prescribing caution and emerging concerns for misuse.
The study was published Dec. 15 in Drug and Alcohol Dependence and led by researchers from Piscataway, N.J.-based Rutgers University, New York City-based Columbia University and New York City-based New York University. Researchers examined Medicaid claims from 17.9 million enrollees ages 10-29 across 43 states, focusing on individuals enrolled for at least 10 months annually. They assessed annual prevalence of prescriptions for opioids, stimulants, benzodiazepines, Z-hypnotics, barbiturates and gabapentin, focusing on individuals enrolled at...
Today's Sponsors
Today's Sponsor