TY - JOUR
T1 - The prescription opioid epidemic
T2 - A review of qualitative studies on the progression from initial use to abuse
AU - Cicero, Theodore J.
AU - Ellis, Matthew S.
N1 - Publisher Copyright:
© 2017 AICH - Servier Research Group.
PY - 2017/9/1
Y1 - 2017/9/1
N2 - Most research designed to answer the "why" of the prescription opioid epidemic has relied on structured interviews, which rigidly attempt to capture the complex reasons people use opioids. In contrast, this systematic literature review focuses on peer-reviewed studies that have used a qualitative approach to examine the development of an opioid-use disorder from the point of initial exposure. Rather than simply providing a "high," opioids reportedly relieve psychological/emotional problems or provide an escape from life stressors. As use continues, avoidance of withdrawal sickness becomes an overriding concern, with all other benefits playing minor roles in persistent use. These studies indicate that terms used in structured interviews, such as "nontherapeutic use" or variations thereof, poorly capture the complex range of needs opioids satisfy. Both quantitative/structured studies and more qualitative ones, as well as more focused studies, have an important role in better informing prevention and treatment efforts.
AB - Most research designed to answer the "why" of the prescription opioid epidemic has relied on structured interviews, which rigidly attempt to capture the complex reasons people use opioids. In contrast, this systematic literature review focuses on peer-reviewed studies that have used a qualitative approach to examine the development of an opioid-use disorder from the point of initial exposure. Rather than simply providing a "high," opioids reportedly relieve psychological/emotional problems or provide an escape from life stressors. As use continues, avoidance of withdrawal sickness becomes an overriding concern, with all other benefits playing minor roles in persistent use. These studies indicate that terms used in structured interviews, such as "nontherapeutic use" or variations thereof, poorly capture the complex range of needs opioids satisfy. Both quantitative/structured studies and more qualitative ones, as well as more focused studies, have an important role in better informing prevention and treatment efforts.
KW - Heroin use
KW - Prescription opioid abuse
KW - Progression of opioid use disorder
KW - Qualitative data
KW - Qualitative review
UR - http://www.scopus.com/inward/record.url?scp=85041192753&partnerID=8YFLogxK
M3 - Article
C2 - 29302223
AN - SCOPUS:85041192753
SN - 1294-8322
VL - 19
SP - 259
EP - 269
JO - Dialogues in Clinical Neuroscience
JF - Dialogues in Clinical Neuroscience
IS - 3
ER -