Socioeconomic Deprivation and Opioid Consumption: An Analysis Across England

Concerns sparked by the US opioid epidemic have led to increased attempts to reduce England’s overall opioid consumption. Variations in health literacy across the country have led to differing prescribing practices, with increased chronic conditions appearing in areas of increased socioeconomic deprivation. This review investigated the relationship between increased opioid utilization and increased socioeconomic deprivation, aiming to highlight areas of England which have the highest opioid consumption. The review has investigated a range of socioeconomic factors, such as unemployment and fuel poverty, which have consequently influenced the higher frequency of opioid prescribing in areas where these factors were highest. Opioid abuse was most prevalent in areas with higher levels of deprivation. Geographically, areas with the highest levels of deprivation, and consequent opioid consumption, were situated in the North of England, with cities like London having a significantly lower consumption rate in comparison. These trends are a good starting point when designing future opioid epidemic-prevention strategies, as specific areas can be targeted to propel a reduction in opioid prescribing and addiction and thus decrease the likelihood of an opioid crisis forming. Although a longitudinal study would have strengthened the findings of this review, it was not feasible due to practical constraints.