Although prescription opioid misuse is a major concern in the United States, there is little research on the sources of prescription opioids that are misused among young adults. A new study featured data from the National Survey on Drug Use and Health from 18-25 year olds. This survey included data on past month opioid use as well as where the participants got the opioids from.

The results of this survey indicated that the most common sources of prescription opioids were relatives/friends, purchased, and from a physician. When asked where the relatives/friends originally received the prescription opioids, the majority responded that they were from a physician. Receiving prescription opioids from another relative or friend, or drug dealers, was also common when tracing back how the initial individual got the opioids. The least common means of obtaining prescription opioids was from fake prescriptions. However, this varied between different ethnicities. White participants were more likely to report theft or use of fake prescriptions compared to African American participants, and those who are Hispanic were less likely to report purchasing or using multiple sources compared to those who are white. For all ethnicities, obtaining prescription opioids that originated from another friend or relative was linked to increased risk of substance use disorders.

This study is important because previous research has indicated that friends and relatives were the most common sources of prescription opioids. However, knowledge of the sources that the friends and relatives get the drug from is important in understanding the original sources of misused prescription drugs.

Take Away: Among those who provide prescription opioids to relatives and friends, they are most likely to receive the opioids from a physician, followed by other family and friends. This highlights that sharing of prescription opioids is prevalent, and a main source of these drugs are physicians.

Ford, J.A., Pomykacz, C., Szalewski, A., McCabe, S.E., Schepis, T.E. (2019). Friends and relatives as sources of prescription opioids for misuse among young adults: The significance of physician source and race/ethnic differences. Substance Abuse. doi.org/10.1080.08897077.2019.1635955.