Trends in the source of prescription drugs for misuse between 2015 and 2019 (2023)

Background: Opioid and benzodiazepine-related deaths have been at all-time highs despite numerous changes to guidelines for prescribing these substances. Although prescribing guidelines appear to have resulted in fewer prescriptions from doctors, no recent study has looked at changes to where prescription drugs of misuse are obtained.
Objectives: The purpose of this study was to examine trends in the source of prescription drug misuse between 2015 and 2019. Methods: Data were from the 2015 - 2019 National Survey on Drug Use and Health. Trend analysis was performed using logistic regression models with year as a predictor of prescription drug source.
Results: The odds of receiving a prescription opioid or benzodiazepine for misuse from a friend or relative for free has significantly decreased from 2015 to 2019 (opioid: AOR= 0.96; benzodiazepine: AOR= 0.93), while the odds of purchasing benzodiazepines from a drug dealer or stranger has increased (AOR= 1.08). No significant changes were observed for obtaining misused prescription drugs from a doctor. Additional significant trends were observed among age groups.
Conclusion: Overall, changes in prescribing guidelines for opioids do not appear to have affected the proportion of prescription drug misusers receiving opioids from doctors, though the willingness or ability of family members and friends to give prescription medications away appears to have decreased. Additionally, increases in purchases of prescription drugs from drug dealers and strangers is concerning as it may also increase risks involved in PDM.