The likelihood of developing an opioid abuse problem among 18 to 34 year olds increased significantly from 2002 to 2014, according to a recent study published in the journal Addictive Behaviors.
Using data from the National Survey on Drug Use administered to adolescents (12 to 17 years), emerging adults (18 to 25 years) and young adults (26 to 34 years) from 2002 to 2014, researchers were able to identify trends in the likelihood of these populations developing opioid abuse disorders. Analysis revealed emerging adults underwent a 37 percent increase in risk of developing the disorder from 2002 to 2014. Young adults doubled their odds from 11 percent to 24 percent, while the risk among adolescences remained stable.
"Our analyses present the evidence to raise awareness and urgency to address these rising and problematic trends among young adults," said first author Silvia Martins, MD, PhD, associate professor of Epidemiology at Columbia University's Mailman School of Public Health in New York. "While increases in prescription opioid use disorder might be rooted in health policy, medical practice, pharmaceutical industry interests, and patient behavior, 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."
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