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

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.

Keywords: Adolescents in treatment; Co-occurring substance use disorders; Nonmedical use of prescription opioids.