This report tracks progress in addressing the U.S. opioid crisis through prescribing trends, policy interventions, and treatment patterns. It documents a sustained decline in opioid prescribing since 2011, with the steepest reductions occurring among high-risk prescriptions. State-level variation highlights differing policy effectiveness, while co-prescribing with benzodiazepines continues to fall. The report also examines COVID-19 disruptions, noting rapid recovery in prescribing patterns. It concludes that while progress is evident, continued focus on pain management alternatives, medication-assisted treatment, and patient monitoring is required to reduce harm.

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