Splunk Blog

Machine Learning Analytics: A New Approach to Combat the Opioid Crisis

February 13, 2019

Every year, millions of Americans use opioids to manage pain. Physician-prescribed opioids are appropriate in some cases, in others, opioids mask the pain. Opioid medications bind to the areas of the brain and spinal cord that control pain and emotions, driving up dopamine and producing an intense feeling of euphoria or a “high.” As the brain becomes accustomed to the feelings, it often takes more of the drug to produce the same levels of pain relief, leading to dependence, and later, to addiction.