Young adults' opioid prescription history and opioid misuse perceptions

Objectives: In this study, we investigated perceptions of prescription opioid misuse among young adults who had or had not been prescribed opioids in the past. Methods: Participants from a national online panel, age 18-34 (N = 1220), completed a survey about their medical use of opioids and their perceptions of the risks and prevalence of opioid misuse and dependence. Associations between prescription history and perceptions of opioids were tested using generalized ordered logistic models. Results: Most respondents reported receiving at least one prescription for opioids in their lifetime (68%), with 57% reporting past-year prescriptions. Respondents with more lifetime prescriptions perceived higher rates of misuse and dependence. More lifetime prescriptions were associated with lower perceived risk of occasional prescription opioid misuse but higher perceived risk for regular misuse. Conclusions: Prior experience with receiving a prescription for opioid pain relievers is associated with young adults' perceptions of opioid misuse. Taking prescription opioids, even as directed, provides young adults with exposure to the drugs that may shape these perceptions both by increasing awareness of the drug and through exposure to misuse of the drug.