Opioid, Buprenorphine, Benzodiazepine, Naloxone, and Stimulant Prescriptions Dispensed to Rhode Island Residents, 2022-2025.

BACKGROUND

The Rhode Island Prescription Drug Monitoring Program (RI PDMP) captures dispensation records for controlled substance prescriptions in Schedules II-V and opioid antagonists dispensed in RI or to RI residents in other states.

METHODS

This report uses RI PDMP data from January 1, 2022 to December 31, 2025 to explore trends in opioid, buprenorphine, stimulant, benzodiazepine, and naloxone prescriptions dispensed to Rhode Island residents. Buprenorphine products were limited to those approved for the treatment of opioid use disorder (OUD). For the purposes of this report, buprenorphine products approved for pain management were categorized as opioids.

RESULTS

During this time, the number of dispensed opioids, naloxone, and buprenorphine prescriptions for OUD decreased 6%, 28%, and 11%, respectively, while the number of individuals dispensed these prescriptions decreased 5%, 28%, and 8%. Stimulant dispensations increased 16% while the number of individuals dispensed stimulants increased 19%. Benzodiazepine dispensations remained constant, but the number of individuals dispensed a benzodiazepine prescription decreased 3%. High-risk prescribing, such as individuals dispensed an opioid prescription with a >90 MME/day, decreased by 15%.

CONCLUSIONS

In a time of declining fatal overdoses, fewer RI residents are being dispensed high-risk opioid prescriptions, and buprenorphine for OUD, though the dispensing of stimulants has increased. Surveillance and analysis of dispensing of controlled substances should continue to include multiple agents in addition to opioids to understand evolving prescribing patterns and determine where provider education and regulatory changes can improve patient safety and public health.