10/13/2025
A recent study examining the motives and experiences of opioid use among young adults found that the most commonly reported reasons for use were enhancement (e.g., seeking fun or excitement) and coping (e.g., alleviating worries or negative emotions), followed by social motives. Participants reported that opioids enabled them to avoid emotional distress while maintaining their daily activities and appearing functional. Many individuals perceived prescription opioids, particularly those in pill form, as safer than other substances due to their medical origins. Some participants emphasized that accessibility and environmental availability, rather than the unique effects of opioids, were the primary factors driving their use. These findings highlight the need for prevention strategies that target coping and enhancement motives, along with educational interventions to address misconceptions about the safety of prescription opioids.
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