Association between Nonmedical Marijuana and Pain Reliever Uses among Individuals Aged 50+

ABSTRACT

Marijuana and pain reliever use for medical and nonmedical purposes has been increasing among older adults. Using the 2012–2013 U.S. National Survey on Alcohol and Related Conditions (NESARC-III), this study examined: (1) the association between past-year nonmedical marijuana and pain reliever use among adults aged 50+ years (N = 14,715); and (2) sociodemographic, health, and pain-related correlates of nonmedical marijuana and/or pain reliever use. The findings show that 3.87% and 3.12%, respectively, used marijuana and pain relievers nonmedically and 14.40% of marijuana users, compared to 2.67% of nonusers, used pain relievers nonmedically. Controlling for sociodemographics, health status, pain interference, and mental and other substance use disorders, marijuana use anduse disorder were significantly associated with nonmedical pain reliever use and opioid use disorder, respectively. Compared to marijuana users (with or without nonmedical use of pain relievers), nonmedical pain reliever users (without marijuana) are older, married, and women. Users of both substances nonmedically are a small group (0.56% of the 50+ age group), but they are at greatest risk of lifetime opioid, alcohol, and nicotine use disorders. Pain interference is a significant correlate of nonmedical pain reliever use. Healthcare providers should assess for the nonmedical use of these medicines/drugs and help older adults receive effective pain treatment.

KEYWORDS:

• Cannabis
• chronic pain
• marijuana
• older adults
• opioids use disorders
• pain relievers

Acknowledgments

This manuscript was prepared using a limited access data set obtained from the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA) and does not reflect the opinions or views of NIAAA or the U.S. Government. The authors also acknowledge the University of Texas at Austin Addiction Research Institute for its support.