Opiate Pain Reliever Epidemic Among U.S. Arrestees 2000-2010: Regional and Demographic Variations

• NCJ Number: 243518
• Journal: Journal of Ethnicity in Substance Abuse Volume: 12 Issue: 1 Dated: January - March 2013 Pages: 1-29
• Author(s): Andrew Golub; Luther Elliott; Henry H. Brownstein
• Date Published: March 2013
• Length: 29 pages
• Publication Format: Article
• Publication Type: Research Paper
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

This study examined the increase of opiate pain reliever use in the United States.

Abstract

The increasing rate of opiate pain reliever (OPR) use is a pressing concern in the United States. This article uses a drug epidemics framework to examine OPR use among arrestees surveyed by the Arrestee Drug Abuse Monitoring program. Results demonstrate regional and demographic variation in use across nine focal cities. High rates of OPR use on the West Coast illustrate the expansion of use from its initial epicenter. By 2010, OPR use had plateaued in all focal cities. Findings suggest directions for ongoing research into pathways to use and vectors of diffusion and for regionally specific interventions sensitive to age and ethnic diversity. Abstract published by arrangement with Taylor and Francis.