Health harms of non-medical prescription opioid use: A systematic review

Lit review
by
Werb, Dan et al

Release Date

2022

Geography

International

Language of Resource

English

Full Text Available

No

Open Access / OK to Reproduce

No

Peer Reviewed

Yes

Objective

No systematic assessment of the scientific literature on the associations between nonmedical prescription opioid use (NMPOU) and health outcomes has yet been undertaken.

Findings/Key points

A large body of evidence has identified associations between NMPOU and opioid use disorder as well as on fatal and non-fatal overdose. We found equivocal evidence on the association between NMPOU and the acquisition of HIV, hepatitis C and other infectious diseases. We identified weak evidence regarding the potential association between NMPOU and intentional self-harm, suicidal ideation and assault.

Design/methods

Lit review; 182 studies included

Keywords

About PWUD
Mental health
Overdose
Mortality
Illegal drugs
Crime