Opioid Abuse Linked to Heroin Use

New research published in the journal Addictive Behaviors has found the likelihood of 18- to 34-year-old nonmedical prescription opioid users having a prescription opioid use disorder has increased between 2002 – 2014. More specifically, the study suggests the probability of 18- to 25-year-olds having the disorder has increased by 37%, whereas the percentage for 26- to 34-year-olds has doubled from 11% to 24%. It also reported a four-fold increase over the twelve year period in the likelihood of heroin use amongst 18- to 25-year-olds who had previously used opioids without a medical prescription, as well as a nine-fold increase amongst 26- to 34-year-olds.

On top of this, the study found that almost 80% of 12- to 21-year-olds who admitted to using heroin also admitted to previously using prescription opioids between the ages of 13-18. Dr. Martins, a researcher working on the project, comments that “Given the high probability of nonmedical use among adolescents and young adults in general, the potential development of prescription opioid use disorder among youth and young adults represents an important and growing public health concern.” It is worth noting, however, that amongst these age groups the prevalence of nonmedical prescription opioid use has decreased between 2002 – 2014 from 11% to 8%. Nonetheless, Dr. Martins adds: “It is critical that the general public, particularly youth, are informed about the related harms and disorders that can occur when prescription opioids are used without regular medical supervision.”