Preventing problematic opioid use for young people

Background: Unregulated toxic drugs have had a disastrous impact in British Columbia, including nearly 200 young people dying in the past decade—many due to opioids. Substance use prevention programs have the potential to play a role in helping to end the opioid crisis.

Methods: We used systematic review methods to identify randomized controlled trials (RCTs) examining health promotion and disorder prevention programs that assessed opioid-related outcomes for young people. After applying our rigorous inclusion criteria, we accepted five studies evaluating three prevention programs.

Results: Two of the three prevention interventions showed success in averting opioid misuse. The Strengthening Families program outcomes were especially strong showing significant reductions in the number of young people who ever misused a prescription opioid at between nine- and 14-year follow-ups. It was also clinically meaningful as one evaluation found a 60% relative risk reduction in ever misusing prescription opioids. Project PATHS also showed success with participants reporting less heroin use in the past 6 months than those in the control group at two-year follow-up.
Conclusions: The opioid crisis is causing immense harms for young people. Yet, the research evidence shows that these harms can be prevented or greatly reduced, increasing opportunities for young people to experience the years of healthy development that they all deserve.