Risk Factors for Opioid Use Disorder
Who Develops OUD?
Anyone who uses opioids is at risk of developing Opioid Use Disorder.
Researchers have found that taking opioid medications for more than a few days can increase the risk of long-term use, which also increases the risk of addiction. The odds an individual will still be on opioids a year after starting a short course can increase after only five days on opioids.
In addition to the length of time that a person uses opioids, there are a number of factors – genetic, psychological and environmental – that often play a role in addiction.
What Are Some Risk Factors for OUD?
The causes of opioid use disorder are complex and can include both genetic vulnerability and environmental opportunity. Below are other common risk factors associated with OUD:
Age
While the risk of developing OUD peaks in young adulthood (age 18-29), risk increases again among middle aged adults (age 45-60).
Family and Genetics
Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) including experiencing violence, neglect, or abuse, and growing up in a household with substance use problems can be a risk. Researchers also found evidence of genetic traits that increase risk.
Environment
Individuals living in stressful or high-risk environments, those who maintain regular contact with high-risk people, or are coping with stressful circumstances are at a higher risk.
Mental Health
Untreated psychiatric disorders, a history of severe depression or anxiety, and history of other mental health conditions can increase the risk of developing OUD.
Socioeconomic
Individuals who are living in poverty, at lower income thresholds, those experiencing homelessness, and/or are unemployed are at a higher risk.
Behavioral
Statistically, the following indicators can increase a person’s risk of developing OUD: legal problems including DUIs, heavy tobacco use, problems with past employers, family members and friends, risk-taking or thrill-seeking behavior, prior drug or alcohol rehabilitation, and a history of substance abuse.
Additional Risk Factors for Women
In addition to the factors above, women have a unique set of risk factors for opioid use disorder. Some studies have shown that women are:
- More likely than men to be diagnosed with chronic pain than men.
- Compared with men, women are also more likely to be prescribed opioid medications (with higher doses, and for longer periods of time).
- Women may also have biological tendencies to become dependent on prescription pain relievers more quickly than are men.
Additional Risk Factors for the LGBTQIA+ Community
The LGBTQIA+ community is disproportionately affected by substance use disorders (SUDs). According to a report by the National LGBTQIA+ Health Education Center found:
- Sexual minority youth are more likely to initiate opioid misuse early in life compared to sexual majority peers
- Associations between stress and higher opioid use among young men who have sex with men (MSM)
- 35% of those who experienced school-related harassment or assault reported using substances to deal with the mistreatment
- 58% of sexual and gender minority respondents between 35-44 years of age report ever being prescribed an opiate by a medical professional, compared with just 35% of their sexual and gender majority counterparts