According to two studies by the Workers Compensation Research Institute (WCRI), the vast majority of injured workers with long-term opioid use (opioids, such as morphine, oxycodone and hydrocodone, are effective pain relievers but can be highly addictive) did not receive standard treatments for chronic opioid-use management, such as drug screening, psychological evaluations and physical therapy.

WCRI economist Dongchun Wang said successful treatment of chronic opioid usage, which is highest in Louisiana and New York, is important because excessive use of the painkillers leads to an increase in work-related accidents and injuries.

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