Past nonmedical opioid use could predict future heroin use among teens

Two studies published yesterday point to predictors of teens using drugs. Researchers in one study found that teens who used opioids when they were not prescribed for medical reasons were more likely to later use heroin. Of the nearly 3,300 high schoolers who were included in the study, those who previously used opioids were about 11% more likely to use heroin, while those who currently used opioids were about 13% more likely to use heroin.

Another study found that there was no increase in teenagers using marijuana if they lived in a state that had laws legalizing the drug. In fact, in states with recreational marijuana laws, the odds of teen marijuana use were about 10% less following legalization.