One in nine Americans will undergo a surgical procedure during their lifetime; for some, the treatment of postoperative pain represents their first prolonged exposure to an opioid. New persistent opioid use (NPOU)—defined as continued use beyond the typical three-month recovery period in opioid-naïve patients—is linked to increased morbidity, mortality, and opioid-related complications. A comprehensive literature search of 27 articles showed that opioid-naïve individuals insured by Medicaid, or those with preoperative anxiety, depression, or benzodiazepine use, face a higher risk for NPOU. This paper suggests that healthcare providers should pay extra attention to patients with these specific clinical and sociodemographic markers.
