دانلود رایگان مقاله شیوع و الگوهای مصرف هروئین در میان جوانان

Abstract

Introduction: The prevalence of heroin use, abuse, and dependence has increased considerably over the past decade. This increase has largely been driven by young adults (18–25 years). This study aims to improve the understanding of heroin use among young adults by determining the prevalence, correlates, patterns and attitude of heroin use among young adults in the US. Methods: The 2011–2013 National Survey on Drug Use and Health was analyzed. Study population included 55,940 young adults with valid interviews. Self-reported lifetime, past-year and past-month use of heroin were examined. Descriptive statistics and adjusted odds ratios were estimated in accordance with the complex survey design. Results: Of the respondents, 18.4 per 1000 (95% CI = 16.8–20.0) used heroin at some time in their lives, and 7.3 per 1000 (95% CI = 6.3–8.3) and 3.3 per 1000 (95% CI = 2.6–4.0) used heroin in the past year and past month, respectively. The single most common route of heroin use was by sniffing. Majority of young adults reported using heroin in combination with other substances. Users of non-prescribed opioid pain relievers, cigarette smokers, illicit drug users and those arrested and booked for breaking the law, had higher odds of using heroin during their lifetime, in the past-year and past-month. Conclusion: Fewer than 2% reported ever using heroin, and 82% of those reported no use in the past month. Majority were polysubstance users and sniffed heroin in combination with other routes of use. Comprehensive programs that target young adult heroin users and address important risk factors for heroin use are needed.AC

5. Conclusion

This study demonstrates that fewer than 2% of young adults in the US reported ever using heroin, and 82% of those reported no use in the past month. It also shows a shift towards heroin use among young adults in higher SES groups. Young adults who used non-prescribed opioid pain relievers and other illicit drugs, smoked cigarettes and were arrested and booked for breaking the law, had the greatest odds of using heroin. In addition, young adult heroin users initiated heroin use at an early age and used other substances along with heroin. Of note was the high level of variability demonstrated by young adult heroin users in the routes through which they used heroin and the ease by which they reported obtaining heroin. Comprehensive programs that target young adult heroin users and also address important risk factors for heroin use are needed. In addition, holistic measures should be taken to particularly address the problem of abuse of non-prescribed opioid pain relievers and to prevent young adults from switching over to heroin.