Oral

This session examines identifying and assessing prescription drug abuse risks across populations. According to the National Survey on Drug Use and Health, the misuse of prescription drugs, particularly pain relievers, ranks second only to marijuana use among the nation's most prevalent illicit drug use behaviors. This increase is associated with epidemic levels of abuse, addiction, and overdose hospitalizations and deaths. Prescription drug misuse is most prevalent among young adults aged 18-25, and opioids are the most frequently misused class of prescription drug among youth. Longitudinal research indicates that youth attenuate, maintain, or escalate opioid misuse over time, suggesting that misuse follows different temporal trajectories. Assessing non-prescribed legal opioid use prior to heroin initiation by young non-injecting heroin users is also critical.

Session Objectives: Describe the differences in prescription drug abuse rates in different populations. Assess groups for highest risks and identify intervention strategies.

CE Credits: Medical (CME), Health Education (CHES), Nursing (CNE), Public Health (CPH)