The U.S. opioids market comprises of synthetic and semi-synthetic medications that act on the nervous system to relieve pain. Some commonly prescribed opioids include oxycodone, hydrocodone, morphine, codeine, fentanyl and tramadol. These drugs are commonly used to manage acute pain and chronic pain conditions. The U.S. accounts for around 80% of the global opioids consumption due to the rising prevalence of chronic pain disorders and increasing prescription drug misuse.
The U.S. opioids market is estimated to be valued at USD 7.34 Bn in 2025 and is expected to reach USD 9.60 Bn by 2032, exhibiting a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 3.9% from 2025 to 2032.
Key Takeaways
Key players operating in the U.S. opioids market are copyright, Inc., Mallinckrodt Pharmaceuticals, Hikma Pharmaceuticals PLC, Mundipharma International, Boehringer Ingelheim International GmbH., Collegium Pharmaceutical, Sun Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd., Jazz Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Curaleaf, Purdue Pharma L.P., Cresco Labs, Trulieve, Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd., Green Thumb Industries, Trevena, Inc., Par Pharmaceutical, and Emergent BioSolutions Inc.
U.S. Opioids Market Demand is driven by the rising prevalence of chronic pain disorders like arthritis, low back pain, and cancer pain. Technological advancements in long-acting and abuse-deterrent formulations are helping curb prescription drug abuse and misuse.
The U.S. opioids market has witnessed steady growth owing to the rising demand for prescription painkillers to manage long-term pain conditions. Neuropathic pain, traumatic injuries and age-related pain disorders have significantly contributed to the increasing per capita consumption of prescription opioids in the country.
Advancements in opioid formulation such as tamper-resistant tablets, implantable and transdermal drug delivery systems are helping curb the epidemic of prescription drug abuse and overdose deaths.Companies are developing abuse-deterrent and long-acting formulation using methods such as physical and chemical barriers, agonist-antagonist combinations and depot injections.
Market Trends
Increasing chronic pain management with non-opioid therapies : With growing awareness about risks of long-term opioid use, healthcare providers are shifting focus towards non-drug therapies and non-opioid pain medications to manage chronic pain.
Abuse-deterrent opioid formulations: Companies are investing in the development of abuse-deterrent formulations of commonly abused opioid drugs to prevent intentional crushing, dissolving or injection for misuse or abuse.
Market Opportunities
Opioid overdose treatment drugs: There is scope for development and commercialization of novel emergency therapies for rapid reversal of accidental or intentional opioid overdose.
Digital therapeutics for opioid use disorder: Digital health platforms, smartphone applications and remote monitoring systems provide opportunities for effective opioid addiction treatment and relapse prevention.
Impact of COVID-19 on U.S. Opioids Market Growth
The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly impacted the U.S. opioids market. During the peak of the pandemic in 2020, many chronic pain patients faced difficulties in accessing their opioid prescriptions due to lockdowns and restrictions imposed. This led to increased risk of opioid withdrawal symptoms and exacerberated their existing pain levels. Furthermore, apprehensions related to virus transmission discouraged in-person doctor visits for prescription refills or management of chronic conditions requiring opioids. Telehealth emerged as an important alternative for healthcare providers to monitor patients and refill opioid prescriptions. However, not all patients had access to telehealth services. The pandemic also disrupted production and supply chain of opioid drugs temporarily. On the other hand, social isolation and increased stress/anxiety among the public due to the pandemic situation may have led to higher dependency on opioid painkillers and misuse in some cases. Going forward, the market is expected to gradually recover as the pandemic situation eases and healthcare systems adapt to provide continuity of care for chronic patients via hybrid models incorporating telehealth and in-person services.
In terms of geography, the Midwestern region accounts for the largest share of the U.S. opioids market in terms of value. States like Ohio, Michigan, Indiana have higher prevalence of chronic pain conditions and subsequently greater consumption of opioid medications compared to other regions. Within the Midwestern region, Ohio holds the highest market concentration supported by factors such as increasing aging population, high incidence of work-related musculoskeletal disorders and availability of pain management specialists. Meanwhile, the Western region has emerged as the fastest growing market for opioids in the country driven by states like California, Washington. Higher disposable incomes, innovative forms of opioid drugs prescribed and increasing investments in pain management research have propelled the market in the Western states.
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