a teen had experimented prescription drugs. Of those who had taken heroin in their lifetime, more than 77 percent had also taken opioids recreationally.
The data also showed that the chances of heroin use increased substantially when opioid consumption was more frequent or very recent and those most at risk of making the transition from prescription drugs to heroin were white males.
Researchers hope that their findings will mean the right people are targeted when it comes to cutting down on gateway drug use.
“Future interventions should be aimed at decreasing nonmedical opioid use among adolescents and young adults before initiation of heroin use, with special attention given to individuals who use opioids more frequently,” they said. “Targeting this group may prevent future heroin initiation, and decrease the troubling trend in opiate-related deaths.”
