An ongoing challenge is to determine the exact sources of opioids used nonmedically (1). This analysis sought to distinguish personal variables associated with self-reported motives for seeking subsequently abused opioids.

Methods

Forty consecutive subjects presented to the investigator for treatment of opioid addiction. Treatment consisted of detoxification in conjunction with buprenorphine agonist therapy. A retrospective chart review was conducted to collect and analyze characteristics of age and initial purpose of opioids for each subject. Confidence intervals for percents were computed using the exact binomial approach. Linear trend across ordered categories was tested using the Wilcoxon-Mann-Whitney test.

Results

Subjects ranged in age from 18 to 85 (mean±SD, 36±13 years). The most frequent initial purpose of opioids was physician prescriptions for pain (70%, 95% CI, 54%-83%). The initial motive for seeking opioids was significantly associated with the age of the patient (p=0.003) as follows: subjects <30 sought opioids for recreational use (67%); and subjects °Ý30 sought opioids for pain via physician-issued prescriptions. Of the 12 subjects who reported recreational use, 3 subjects (25%) were 18-19 years; 5 subjects (42%) were 20-29 years; 3 subjects (25%) were 30-39 years; 0 subjects (0%) were 40-49 years; and 1 subject (8%) was 50-85 years. Of the 28 subjects who reported a physician prescription for pain, 0 subjects (0%) were 18-19 years; 5 subjects (18%) were 20-29 years; 12 subjects (43%) were 30-39 years; 7 subjects (25%) were 40-49 years; and 4 subjects (14%) were 50-85 years.

Discussion

These results from a self-selected sample of treatment seekers from 1 center indicate that opioid pain prescriptions could be a risk factor for opioid addiction. Furthermore, age may be associated with the initial motive of seeking opioids that are subsequently abused.