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Factors associated with history of non-fatal overdose among young nonmedical users of prescription drugs
Journal article   Open access   Peer reviewed

Factors associated with history of non-fatal overdose among young nonmedical users of prescription drugs

Karol Silva, Sheree M Schrager, Aleksandar Kecojevic and Stephen E Lankenau
Drug and alcohol dependence, v 128(1-2)
01 Feb 2013
PMID: 22974490
url
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2012.08.014View
Published, Version of Record (VoR) Open

Abstract

Prescription drug misuse Nonmedical use of prescription drugs Young drug users Non-fatal overdose
The current study examines the prevalence and correlates of lifetime non-fatal overdose (OD) involving the nonmedical use of prescription opioids and tranquilizers among a sample of high-risk young adults in New York, NY and Los Angeles, CA. Data were derived from a cross-sectional study of 16–25 year old nonmedical users of prescription drugs (n=596). Unadjusted associations between OD history and socio-demographic and drug use variables were investigated in bivariate logistic regression models. Multivariate logistic regression models identified correlates of non-fatal OD. Lifetime prevalence of non-fatal overdose involving prescription opioids and/or tranquilizers was 23.6%. Factors associated with increased risk of non-fatal overdose included lower social class while growing up (OR: 1.81, 95% CI: [1.15, 2.83], p<0.01), having ever received care at a psychiatric hospital (OR: 1.79, 95% CI: [1.12, 2.85], p<0.05), ever witnessing a family member OD on drugs (OR: 1.59, 95% CI: [1.02, 2.50], p<0.05), being prescribed tranquilizers (OR: 2.07, 95% CI: [1.29, 4.27], p<0.01), ever snorting or sniffing opioids (OR: 2.51, 95% CI: [1.48, 4.27], p<0.001), injecting tranquilizers (OR: 3.09, 95% CI: [1.61, 5.93], p<0.001), and past 90-day injection drug use (OR: 1.68, 95% CI: [1.03, 2.74], p<0.05). Participants who reported past 90-day stimulant misuse had lower odds of reporting OD compared to those who were not recent stimulant users (OR: 0.60, 95% CI: [0.38–0.96], p<0.05). This study documents the high prevalence of experiencing non-fatal overdose among young nonmedical users of prescription drugs. Results could inform overdose prevention efforts throughout the U.S.

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Collaboration types
Domestic collaboration
Web of Science research areas
Psychiatry
Substance Abuse
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