In what decade did the use of opioids for chronic pain begin to significantly increase?

The use of opioids for chronic pain began to significantly increase in the 1990s. During this decade, there was a shift in medical practice and philosophy regarding pain management. Practitioners and pharmaceutical companies started advocating for the use of opioids as an effective treatment for chronic pain conditions, which led to a notable rise in prescriptions. Additionally, this era saw the introduction of new opioid medications marketed for pain relief, coupled with the perception that they were relatively safe for long-term use. This ultimately contributed to widespread use and, unfortunately, the later onset of the opioid crisis as addiction and dependency rates began to rise. Understanding this context is essential in recognizing the trends and consequences of opioid prescribing practices.