Opioid prescriptions (OxyContin, Percocet, Vicodin, Demerol) for chronic pain have been on the rise. This study found long-term opioid therapy to be ineffective. According to the study, there are long-term effects and they include increased risk for overdose, abuse, fractures, and myocardial infarction.
The Effectiveness and Risks of Long-Term Opioid Therapy for Chronic Pain: A Systematic Review for a National Institutes of Health Pathways to Prevention Workshop