Effect of restricting the legal supply of prescription opioids on buying through online illicit marketplaces: interrupted time series analysis.

ABSTRACT: OBJECTIVE:To examine the effect on the trade in opioids through online illicit markets ("cryptomarkets") of the US Drug Enforcement Administration's ruling in 2014 to reschedule hydrocodone combination products. DESIGN:Interrupted time series analysis. SETTING:31 of the world's largest cryptomarkets operating from October 2013 to July 2016. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES:The proportion of total transactions, advertised and active listings for prescription opioids, prescription sedatives, prescription steroids, prescription stimulants, and illicit opioids, and the composition of the prescription opioid market between the US and elsewhere. RESULTS:The sale of prescription opioids through US cryptomarkets increased after the schedule change, with no statistically significant changes in sales of prescr

SUBMITTER: Martin J 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5998052 | biostudies-literature | 2018 Jun

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature