Trends and risk factors of adolescent opioid abuse/misuse: understanding the opioid epidemic among adolescents.

Over the past decade, opioid abuse/misuse has grown from a local problem into a national crisis, causing the U.S. Health and Human Services (HSS) to declare a public health emergency. The number of those dying from opioid abuse has increased, especially among adolescents. Since 2014, death rates due to opioid overdose have been highest in persons aged 15-19 years. This systematic review examines past and present research concerning opioid abuse/misuse and seeks to bring more attention to the growing opioid epidemic affecting adolescents aged 12-25 years nationwide. Keywords such as "adolescent", "opioid", "overdose", "opioid misuse", and phrases including "opioid use and race", "income status and opioids", were used to find common demographic trends which can be attributed to this population. The process of gathering and disseminating information currently available on this subject helps highlight a somewhat taboo subject involving vulnerable members of our community. It is imperative that healthcare providers, in particular, those who treat adolescents, have access to current research and resources that support efforts to combat this persistent issue. In addition, this information will prove useful to those who have the ability to change policies and how this current crisis is being managed. Results from the research indicate that opioid abuse/misuse in adolescents is rising and race, gender and income play a role in the abuse/misuse of opioids. Likewise, the research proves that more opportunities for education and access to adequate treatment are paramount to ending the prevalence of opioid abuse/misuse.