Non-prescribed use of pain relievers among adolescents in the United States

Abstract

Background-We examined gender-specific prevalences, patterns, and correlates of nonprescribed use of pain relievers-mainly opioids-in a representative sample of American adolescents (N = 18,678).Methods-Data were drawn from the public use data file of the 2005 U.S. National Survey on Drug Use and Health, a survey of non-institutionalized American household residents. The patterns of nonprescribed use of prescription pain relievers were examined, and logistic regression procedures were conducted to identify correlates of non-prescribed use.Results-Approximately one in 10 adolescents aged 12−17 years reported non-prescribed use of pain relievers in their lifetime (9.3% in males and 10.3% in females). The mean age of first nonprescribed use was 13.3 years, which was similar to the mean age of first use of alcohol and marijuana but older than the age of first inhalant use. Among all non-prescribed users, 52% reported having used hydrocodone products (Vicodin, Lortab, Lorcet, and Lorcet Plus, and hydrocodone), 50% had used propoxyphene (Darvocet or Darvon) or codeine (Tylenol with codeine), and 24% had used oxycodone products (OxyContin, Percocet, Percodan, and Tylox). Approximately one quarter (26%) of all non-prescribed users had never used other non-prescribed or illicit drugs. There were gender variations in correlates of non-prescribed use.Conclusions-Use of non-prescribed pain relievers occurs early in adolescence. Research is needed to understand whether early use of non-prescribed pain relievers is related to later drug use.

Nonmedical Use of Prescription Medications Among Adolescents in the United States: A Systematic Review

“…Cross-sectional national data have shown that the average age of onset for NMU of pain relievers was approximately the same as for alcohol (e.g., 13 years) [17]. However, a recent longitudinal study conducted by Catalano et al found that prevalence of NMU of pain relievers peaks at age 17 years [8].…”

“…Studies have identified several other correlates of adolescent NMUPM, including residential instability [16,20], rurality [10,13,17], poor self-reported health [8,10,17], recent major depressive episode [10,16], posttraumatic stress disorder [18], mood disorder [8], mental health service utilization [16,17,21], and emergency room use [17]. NMUPM, particularly that of sedatives and pain relievers, has also been associated with sexual victimization [33,34].…”

“…Seven nationally representative studies examined the association between low income and NMUPM. Three found that low income was associated with NMU of pain relievers [13,17,22], and one found it to be associated with NMU of tranquilizers [13]. It has been noted that the relationship between adolescent NMUPM and family income is complicated by differences in access to health care, as uninsured adolescents have limited legal access to prescription drugs [13].…”

“…eral studies have noted that NMU of pain relievers increases with age [17,30]. Cross-sectional national data have shown that the average age of onset for NMU of pain relievers was approximately the same as for alcohol (e.g., 13 years) [17].…”

“…In nationally representative studies, past-year [11][12][13][14][15][16]18,20,22] and lifetime [12,17] NMU of prescription pain relievers was Ͻ13%. In non-nationally representative studies, however, the prevalence of lifetime pain reliever use ranged from 15% to 18% [30,32,36] and past-year use ranged from 2% to 14% [7,[31][32][33]35,36].…”