Opioid drug poisonings in Ohio adolescents and young adults, 2002-2014

Opioids represent a drug class that adolescents and young adults intentionally misuse and abuse. When taken on their own or with other substances in this manner, opioids pose an increased risk of overdose and potential death.

To determine trends of opioid drug poisonings among adolescents and young adults in Ohio from 2002 to 2014 using Poison Control Center (PCC) data.

Data were obtained from Ohio PCCs from 2002 to 2014 for opioid drug poisonings amongst 10-29 year olds. Trends were evaluated with Poisson regression. Ohio counties with higher opioid drug poisoning rates were identified using age-adjusted resident population estimates. Chi-square tests were conducted to compare these county rates to the Ohio rate.

Both unintentional and intentional Ohio PCC opioid drug poisonings peaked in 2009, and there were significant declines through 2014. Almost 40% of intentional opioid drug poisonings were for young adults aged 18-24 years. Suspected suicide poisonings were 64.9% female, misuse poisonings were 54.5% male, and abuse poisonings were 60.1% male. Commonly reported substances included tramadol, heroin, and acetaminophen combinations with hydrocodone or oxycodone. Benzodiazepines and ethanol were the most common substances reported in conjunction with opioids. The top four Ohio counties with significantly higher opioid drug poisoning rates than the state average in 2014 were Hamilton, Mahoning, Butler, and Fairfield.

This study enhances the understanding of Ohio's opioid epidemic so that future prevention efforts and legislation can better target needed resources. Both males and females would benefit from opioid education early in their lives.