Prevalence, correlates and patterns of heroin use among young adults in the United States

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 73 per 1000 (95% CI = 63-83) and 33 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. (C) 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.