Opioid Pain Medication Use in Athletes

The use of opioids for pain management has become increasingly accepted over the years. There are known adverse effects of opioids that have implications for athletes when used for pain relief in the context of sports. Our objective was to conduct a review of the available literature to evaluate the following: (1) opioid use in athletes; (2) how to prevent initial use; (3) tapering opioids; and (4) nonopioid alternatives. A literature review was conducted on the prevalence of opioid use in athletes, strategies for preventing initial use and tapering opioids, and nonopioid alternatives for pain management in athletes. Use of opioids early in an athlete's career appears to increase the risk of subsequent use and misuse at college and professional levels. Prevention of initial use of opioids, establishing a timeline outlining the course and expectations for opioid use, and understanding the individual's level of sport and specific involvement are all important factors that can help prevent opioid misuse. More research is needed for clinicians to understand the level of use and misuse of narcotic pain medications in the athletic and active population. This issue should receive more consideration as the level of play increases. There are indications that opioid use has now become as prevalent in high school athletes as in higher levels of play, a trend that should be monitored and possibly curtailed in recognition of the greater risks in adolescents when it comes to narcotic pain medications.