Publication year: 2011
Source: Addictive Behaviors, In Press, Accepted Manuscript, Available online 5 August 2011
Nidhi, Khosla , Hee Soon, Juon , Gregory D., Kirk , Jacqueline, Astemborski , Shruti H., Mehta
Despite reports of increasing non-medical prescription drug use, relatively few studies have systematically evaluated the prevalence and correlates of non-medical prescription drug use, particularly in populations that might be especially vulnerable (e.g., injection drug users [IDUs]). We examined factors associated with non-medical prescription drug use among a community-based cohort of current and former IDUs in Baltimore (The ALIVE Study). We conducted a cross-sectional analysis of data from cohort participants that responded to a survey that included questions on non-medical prescription drug use between 2005–06 (n=1320). Non-medical prescription drug use was considered to be use of any of the following: Opiates…
Highlights: ► We found a high prevalence of non-medical prescription drug use in a cohort of IDUs in Baltimore, MD. ► Non-medical prescription drug use was linked with other substance abuse, Caucasian race and pain. ► Programs for IDUs need to address non-medical prescription drug use to improve their health status.