Opioid dependency drugs up in comp

While opioids continue to dip in workers compensation, prescriptions to manage opioid dependency and possible overdose were up 11% in 2022, according to a report released Wednesday by Enlyte LLC.

The percentage of high-dosage opioid claims with naloxone, which can reverse negative effects of an overdose, rose to 7.3%, up from the 5.8% reported in 2021, according to the new data provided by the comp services company.

In 2022, opioid scripts dropped 1.3% and costs decreased 2.5%, in line with a yearslong trend of seeing fewer injured workers prescribed opioids. Overall, 23.8% of injured workers take opioids, according to the report.