Study strengthens link between teen opioid misuse and other risky behaviors

A new study reinforces the link between teens misusing opioids and engaging in other dangerous behaviors. Working off a 2017 survey of 15,000 high schoolers — in which nearly 1 in 7 reported ever misusing opioids — scientists in the new paper analyzed the likelihood of those teens engaging in any of 22 risky behaviors. Those who misused opioids were nearly three times more likely to never or rarely use a seatbelt, four times more likely to have had sex before 13, and four times more likely to have engaged in a physical fight in the previous year. Although these findings only represent an association, other studies have also established a similar link. Given the strong tie, scientists suggest that schools and health practitioners could help catch opioid misuse through spotting other dangerous behaviors.