STM Journals Peer-reviewed research from Consortium e-Learning Network

Research and Reviews: A Journal of Toxicology Original Research

Prescription Opioid Use, Misuse and Motivation for Misuse among patients admitted in a drug treatment center

  1. Dapap D.Datak Department of Psychiatry, College of medicine, and Allied Health Sciences, Bingham University, Jos
  2. Tunchama Friday Department of Psychiatry, College of medicine, and Allied Health Sciences, Bingham University, Jos
  3. Maigari Yusuf Department of Psychiatry, College of medicine, and Allied Health Sciences, Bingham University, Jos

Abstract

Background: Opioid misuse remains a significant public health concern in Nigeria and globally. The risk of misuse complicates opioid prescriptions, potentially leading to overdose and fatal outcomes if not promptly addressed.

Objectives: To determine the prevalence of prescription opioid use, misuse, and the underlying motivations for misuse.

Method: This study utilized a retrospective cross-sectional design to examine the prevalence and patterns of prescription opioid use and misuse. Data were collected from a total of 117 clients who were admitted to a drug treatment center located in Jos, Nigeria, over a one-year period from January to December 2022. Patient information was retrieved from their documented case notes and analyzed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS), version 22.

Result: Findings revealed that 43.5% of the clients had used prescription opioids, while 27.3% were identified as having misused them. Among the individuals who reported misuse, the most frequently cited reason was the need to alleviate physical pain, accounting for 56.3% of cases.

Conclusion: These findings underscore the growing concern surrounding prescription opioid misuse. There is an urgent need to implement measures aimed at minimizing misuse risks and promoting the development and use of evidence-based, non-addictive alternatives for managing moderate to severe pain.

Keywords

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