Young adult opioid misuse indicates a general tendency toward substance use and is strongly predicted by general substance use risk. (1st June 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Pandika, Danielle; Bailey, Jennifer A.; Oesterle, Sabrina; Kuklinski, Margaret R.
• Is Part Of: Drug and alcohol dependence. Volume 235(2022)
• Publication Date: 2022-06-01
• Subjects: Young adult opioid misuse -- Prevention of opioid misuse -- Risk for opioid misuse -- General substance use -- Opioid and substance; Drug abuse -- Periodicals; Alcoholism -- Periodicals; 616.86
• DOI: 10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2022.109442
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0376-8716

Abstract

Abstract: Objective: To examine whether young adult opioid misuse reflects a general tendency toward substance use and is influenced by general substance use risk or whether it is a different phenomenon from other drug use. Methods: At ages 23 (2016) and 26 (2019), a panel of young adults (n = 3794 to 3833) in the United States self-reported their past-month substance use (opioid misuse, heavy drinking, cigarettes, cannabis) and substance-specific risk factors (perceptions of harm; approval of use; and use of each substance by friends and romantic partners). Structural equation models examined non-opioid and opioid-specific associations between latent risk and substance use factors. Results: Opioid misuse and opioid-specific risk factors shared significant variance with latent substance use and latent substance use risk, respectively, which were strongly associated. A statistically significant residual correlation between opioid-specific risk and opioid misuse remained. Conclusion: Young adult opioid misuse reflects a general tendency toward substance use and is strongly predicted by risk for substance use. Opioid-specific risk factors play only a small independent role. Existing evidence-based substance use interventions may be effective in preventing opioid misuse among young adults. Highlights: Young adult opioid misuse likely reflects a general tendency to use substances. Risk for general substance use strongly predicts young adult opioid misuse. Existing substance use prevention programs may be an efficient & effective strategy for combatting the opioid crisis in young adult populations.