Risk Factors for Prescription Opioid Misuse in Older Adults - Findings from the National Survey on Drug Use and Health

Sep 29, 2026

Prescription opioid misuse is a major public health and social concern because it elevates the risk of both fatal and non-fatal overdose. Research has largely targeted younger adults despite older adults being more likely to receive opioid prescriptions. This study uses nationally representative 2023 data (n=9,762) from the National Survey on Drug Use and Health to identify past-year risk factors among older adults via stepwise binary logistic regression, with risk associations varying across modeled domains.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryResearch & Report

FormatPDF

Pages1

Reading Time3 min

AccessFree to download

Study purpose and background

Data source and sample

Methods: stepwise binary logistic regression

Main findings across model stages

Implications for screening and intervention

FAQs

Why focus on older adults for prescription opioid misuse risk factors?

Older adults are more likely to have an opioid prescription than any other age cohort, yet most prior research has disproportionately examined younger adults.

What data and sample size were used in the study?

The study analyzed nationally representative 2023 National Survey on Drug Use and Health data, including 9,762 older adults.

How were risk factors for opioid misuse analyzed?

Stepwise binary logistic regression was used, beginning with sociodemographics and then adding physical health, mental health, and other substance use factors in subsequent models.

Which factors were associated with opioid misuse in later models?

Poor self-rated health remained significantly associated with misuse in the final model, and a lifetime history of depression was also associated with misuse.

Sep 29, 2026

Upload by Maya Linwood