Opioid dependence can take hold within days of first use, even when the prescribed painkiller is for short-term pain.
Researchers at the University of Sydney led the largest review to date of opioid medications for acute pain, published in the journal Drugs.
The team examined 59 systematic reviews covering more than 50 acute pain conditions in children and adults, looking at how well drugs such as codeine, morphine, oxycodone and tramadol actually work.
What the Review Found
Lead author Associate Professor Christina Abdel Shaheed reported that for most acute pain conditions, opioids gave only small and short-lived relief compared with a placebo, often lasting just a few hours.
Oral opioids were only slightly better than placebo for acute musculoskeletal pain in the six to 48 hours after starting treatment, the same pain they are frequently prescribed for.
The review found opioids offered no clear advantage over placebo for several conditions, including kidney stone pain, some types of limb surgery, pain after tonsil removal and pain in newborns on assisted breathing.
They did provide modest short-term relief for others, such as stomach pain, pain after dental surgery, childbirth, caesarean delivery and bunion removal.
Why Opioid Dependence Matters for Treatment
The researchers also flagged safety concerns. Common side effects included nausea and vomiting, and regular use carries risks of tolerance, dependence, misuse, overdose, hospitalization, and death.
Co-first author Dr. Stephanie Mathieson noted that persistent use can develop quickly after a first prescription, sometimes within days.
Many people who develop opioid use disorder first encounter opioids through a legitimate prescription. Medication-assisted treatment, which pairs FDA-approved medicines like buprenorphine with counseling, is a standard evidence-based option for opioid use disorder and is widely covered by insurance.
What This Means for Treatment Seekers
If you or someone you love has been taking prescribed opioids and notices cravings, a need for higher doses or withdrawal symptoms between doses, these can be early signs worth raising with a clinician. Dependence is common, it is not a personal failing, and it is treatable.
Finding the Right Rehab
Practical next steps include comparing rehab centers, understanding insurance coverage for addiction treatment, and exploring evidence-based options like medication-assisted treatment.
Rehab.com’s directory can help you compare verified treatment centers and understand your options. Call
800-985-8516
( 
Sponsored Helpline )
to speak with a treatment advisor.
