Methods Data were drawn from the public use data file of the 2005 U.S. Patkar, Ashwin A.īackground We examined gender-specific prevalences, patterns, and correlates of non-prescribed use of pain relievers—mainly opioids—in a representative sample of American adolescents (N = 18,678). Non-Prescribed Use of Pain Relievers among Adolescents in the United States Research is needed to understand whether early use of non-prescribed pain relievers is related to later drug use. Use of non-prescribed pain relievers occurs early in adolescence.
There were gender variations in correlates of non-prescribed use. Approximately one quarter (26%) of all non-prescribed users had never used other non-prescribed or illicit drugs. 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 (Ox圜ontin, Percocet, Percodan, and Tylox). The mean age of first non-prescribed 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.
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 patterns of non-prescribed use of prescription pain relievers were examined, and logistic regression procedures were conducted to identify correlates of non-prescribed use. National Survey on Drug Use and Health, a survey of non-institutionalized American household residents. Data were drawn from the public use data file of the 2005 U.S. We examined gender-specific prevalences, patterns, and correlates of non-prescribed use of pain relievers - mainly opioids - in a representative sample of American adolescents (N=18,678). Wu, Li-Tzy Pilowsky, Daniel J Patkar, Ashwin A Non-prescribed use of pain relievers among adolescents in the United States.