The non-medical use of prescription opioids has been a global trend recognized by the International Narcotics Control Board (INCB). The abuse of prescription opioids is predicted to exceed illicit drug abuse and the dangers associated with the rise of prescription opioids are reflected in the associated increase in opioid-related deaths [4]. In a report released by the Institute for Clinical Evaluative Sciences (ICES), every additional opioid prescription dispensed per the Ontario Public Drug Programs (OPDP) correlated to an increase in the annual opioid-related mortality rate by 0.54 per 100 000 residents (p<0.0001) [26]. Studies report that 5-23 % of all opioid prescriptions are used non-medically [27], with 13.3% of Americans (equivalent to 33 million people) reported having used analgesics non-medically in their lifetime [28].
