Release Date
Geography
Language of Resource
Full Text Available
Open Access / OK to Reproduce
Peer Reviewed
Objective
Little is known about demand-side issues, such as reasons for use and pathways to opioid use. This study aimed to inform the development of prevention strategies that hold promise for addressing opioid use,
Findings/Key points
Surveys revealed that the most endorsed risk factors pertained to emotions (emotional neglect and emotional abuse) followed by sexual abuse, physical abuse, and physical neglect. Themes generated from qualitative analyses reveal challenging experiences during adolescence, such as unaddressed mental health, social, and emotional needs, which were often reported as reasons for opioid initiation and use. Through surveys and interviews, we also identified positive assets, such as skills and social relationships that were present for many participants during adolescence.
Design/methods
Structured surveys and semi-structured in-depth interviews (n=30)
