Relationship between Nonmedical Prescription-Opioid Use and Heroin Use

The New England Journal of Medicine, 2016

The studies shows:

  • The transition from prescription opioid non-medical use to heroin use appears to be part of the progression of opioid addiction in a subset of opioid users.
  • Increased heroin use among non-medical users of prescription opioids occurred before policies targeting prescription opioid abuse were implemented.
  • Increased availability, low cost, and high purity are contributing factors often cited by heroin users.


Relationship between Nonmedical Prescription-Opioid Use and Heroin Use

Audience

Caregivers & Community Members, Prevention Providers & Educators

Topic

Other Drugs, Prescription Drugs, Substance Abuse Prevention/Mental Health Promotion

Type

Publications

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