Gender and non-medical use of prescription opioids: results from a national US survey

Addiction. 2008 Feb;103(2):258-68. doi: 10.1111/j.1360-0443.2007.02056.x. Epub 2007 Nov 27.

Abstract

Aims: Gender differences exist regarding alcohol and illicit drug use disorders in the United States. Little is known about the gender-related factors associated with non-medical use of prescription opioids.

Design: Using data from the 2003 National Survey on Drug Use and Health, we examined risk factors for past-year non-medical use of prescription opioids stratified by gender.

Setting: Non-institutionalized US residences. Participants Civilian, non-institutionalized US citizens aged 12 years and older.

Measurements: Self-reported alcohol and drug use, focusing specifically on past-year non-medical use of prescription opioids.

Findings: Among 55 023 respondents, 4.8% reported past-year, non-medical use of prescription opioids. For both women and men, alcohol abuse/dependence and marijuana, hallucinogen, cocaine, non-medical stimulant and sedative/tranquilizer use were associated with past-year non-medical use of prescription opioids. Among women but not men, first use of illicit drugs beginning at 24 years or older [adjusted odds ratios (AOR) 1.90, 95% CI 1.05-3.44], serious mental illness (AOR 1.67, 95% CI 1.29-2.17) and cigarette smoking (AOR 1.33, 95% CI 1.05-1.68) were associated with past-year non-medical use of prescription opioids. Among men but not women, past-year inhalant use (AOR 1.93, 95% CI 1.28-2.92) was associated with the outcome.

Conclusions: For both women and men, illicit drug use is associated with the non-medical use of prescription opioids. Additionally, certain factors associated with the non-medical use of prescription opioids are notably gender-specific. Clinicians should recognize that patients with a history of illicit substance use or misuse of other prescription medications are at increased risk for non-medical use of prescription opioids, and that gender-specific factors can help to identify individuals at greatest risk.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Analgesics, Opioid*
  • Child
  • Data Collection
  • Drug Prescriptions*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Illicit Drugs
  • Male
  • Mental Disorders / epidemiology
  • Middle Aged
  • Opioid-Related Disorders / epidemiology*
  • Prevalence
  • Regression Analysis
  • Risk Factors
  • Sex Distribution
  • Sex Factors
  • Smoking / epidemiology
  • United States / epidemiology

Substances

  • Analgesics, Opioid
  • Illicit Drugs