Prevalence of Nonmedical Use of Prescription Opioids and Association With Co-occurring Substance Use Disorders Among Adolescents in Substance Use Treatment

摘要

Abstract Purpose We sought to describe the prevalence of the nonmedical use of prescription opioids (NMUPO) and its association with co-occurring substance use disorders in a sample of adolescents in substance treatment. Methods Adolescents in two substance treatment programs were recruited for participation between 2009 and 2013. The Composite International Diagnostic Interview—Substance Abuse Module (CIDI-SAM) was administered to assess substance use patterns and lifetime abuse or dependence. Results A total of 378 adolescents completed the CIDI-SAM (mean age 16.1 [standard deviation?=?1.1], 78% male, 50% white, non-Hispanic). Of the 378 adolescents, 62 (16.4%) reported NMUPO and 59 (15.6%) were diagnosed with opioid/heroin abuse or dependence. The mean age at first NMUPO was 14.3 (standard deviation?=?1.4). NMUPO was associated with a 3.31-fold (95% confidence interval: 2.83–3.79) increase in having three or more co-occurring substance use diagnoses. Conclusions NMUPO is quite prevalent among adolescents in substance use treatment. Intervention to interrupt NMUPO from progressing to heroin use or developing into a disorder is critical.