Prescription opioid abuse and comorbidity among participants in publically funded substance abuse treatment programs in Los Angeles County

Prescription opioid abuse is becoming a serious public health problem in the United States. An estimated 80% of the global opioid supply has been consumed by Americans, representing only 4.6% of the world's population. The milligram per person use of prescription opioids in the U.S. increased by 402 % from 1997 to 2007 and unintentional overdose deaths involving opioid analgesics have exceeded the sum of deaths involving heroin or cocaine.

This study examined the impact of age, gender, race, and other prior experiences as well as physical and mental comorbid conditions among prescription opioid abouse population in publically funded susbstance abuse treatment programs in Los Angeles County. Data collected via the Los Angeles County Participant Reporting System (LACPRS) were analyzed. There were 4,912 opioid-related admission episodes to treatment facilities in Los Angeles County between 2005 and 2010. Whites, males, and older participants (45+) were significantly more likely to abuse prescription opioid (p<.0001). Participants with prescription opioid problems had significantly higher number of prior treatment episodes (p<.01) and were significantly more likely to have mental and physical health problems (e.g., emergency room visits, days in hospital) than participants with illicit drug problems (p<.0001). Our results suggest that it is imperative to move beyond “one-size-fits-all” approach to prevention and treatment of prescription opioid abuse that ignores the impact of age, gender, race, and comorbid psychiatric and physical conditions.