Nonmedical prescription opioids and pathways of drug involvement in the US: Generational differences.

ABSTRACT:

Background

This study sought to specify (1) the position of nonmedical prescription opioids (NMPO) in drug initiation sequences among Millennials (1979-96), Generation X (1964-79), and Baby Boomers (1949-64) and (2) gender and racial/ethnic differences in sequences among Millennials.

Methods

Data are from the 2013-2014 National Surveys on Drug Use and Health (n = 73,026). We identified statistically significant drug initiation sequences involving alcohol/cigarettes, marijuana, NMPO, cocaine, and heroin using a novel method distinguishing significant sequences from patterns expected only due to correlations induced by common liability among drugs.

Results

Alcohol/cigarettes followed by marijuana was the most common sequence. NMPO or cocaine use after marijuana, and her

SUBMITTER: Wall M 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5870126 | biostudies-literature | 2018 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature