Journal Article

Illicit Prescription Opioid Use Among U.S. Firefighters

Jahnke, Sara A., Haddock, Christopher K., Kaipust, Christopher, Suminski, Richard R., Poston, Walker S. C., Jitnarin, Natinee

2025

Overview

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.

• Publisher: MDPI AG
• Subject: Alcohol use / Alcoholic beverages / Analysis / Anesthesia / Anxiety / Coping (Psychology) / Demographics / Drug abuse / Drug overdose / Drug use / Fire departments / Fire fighters / fire service / Fire stations / Firefighters / Fires / Influence / Injuries / Job stress / Longitudinal studies / Mental depression / Mental disorders / Mental health / Narcotics / Occupational health and safety / Opioids / Pain / Population studies / Post traumatic stress disorder / Practice / Prescription drugs / Psychological aspects / Psychological stress / Questionnaires / Regression analysis / Sedatives / self-medication / Social aspects / Tranquilizers / Variables / Word of mouth advertising / Working conditions