# Illicit Prescription Opioid Use Among U.S. Firefighters

## TL;DR

This study finds that 14% of U.S. firefighters have misused prescription opioids, often hydrocodone-based drugs, and links this behavior to poor mental health and alcohol issues.

## Contribution

The study provides the first nationally representative data on illicit opioid use among U.S. firefighters and identifies associated risk factors.

## Key findings

- 14% of U.S. firefighters reported lifetime illicit prescription opioid use.
- Hydrocodone-based drugs like Vicodin were most commonly misused.
- Mental health issues and alcohol problems were significant predictors of opioid misuse.

## Abstract

Firefighters are vulnerable to opioid misuse given the adverse effects their occupation has on mental and physical health. Yet there are limited data on opioid misuse within this population. This study examined the prevalence of illicit prescription opioid use among a nationally representative sample of U.S. firefighters and factors related to opioid misuse. Data were collected through reliable questionnaires from 617 firefighters prior to participating in an intervention designed to mitigate the negative impacts of trauma. The lifetime prevalence of illicit prescription opioid use was 14% compared to 13% in the general U.S. population. The most commonly misused opioids were hydrocodones with trade names Vicodin, Lortab, and Lorcet (72% of those illicitly using opioids). Illicit prescriptions opioid use was not significantly correlated with any demographics examined. However, firefighters who engaged in illicit opioid use exhibited poorer mental health, more alcohol-related problems, and an increased likelihood of misusing other prescription medications. In a regression analysis, alcohol consumption issues, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), and the illicit use of sedatives and tranquilizers emerged as significant predictors of illicit prescription opioid use. Illicit prescription opioid use by firefighters is a potential problem especially when considered along with other factors such as mental health. Longitudinal studies are needed to further deepen our knowledge about this issue.