Teens Who Misuse Prescription Opioids More Likely to go on to Heroin: Link Not Necessarily Causal

heroin pills syringe Teens are more likely to use heroin if they misuse prescription opioids, a recent study of Los Angeles youth has found. The study did not make any conclusions about whether the association is causal, however. The researchers used a prospective longitudinal cohort study in 10 Los Angeles high schools. At baseline, all students had never used heroin. Initiation of heroin use was reported via yes/no question on survey, as was self-reported non-medical prescription opioid use (past 30 days v. past 6 months, and no past 30 days vs. no past 6 months).

Source: Association of nonmedical prescription opioid use with subsequent heroin use initiation in adolescents. JAMA Pediatrics