Predictive Models for Time to First Opioid Use Disorder or Opioid Overdose Among Older Adults - Report - MDSpire

Forecasting Models for Initial Onset of Opioid Use Disorder or Overdose in the Elderly Population

  • By

  • Chien-Wei Chiang

  • Guy Brock

  • Siegfried Schmidt

  • Roger B. Fillingim

  • Stephan Schmidt

  • Yu-Jung Jenny Wei

  • July 16, 2026

Share

Forecasting Models for Initial Onset of Opioid Use Disorder or Overdose in the Elderly Population

Overview

This study developed predictive models for opioid use disorder (OUD) and overdose (OD) in older adults using a longitudinal cohort.

Background

The rise of opioid use disorder and overdose among older adults necessitates targeted research to identify at-risk individuals. Traditional predictive models have largely focused on younger populations.

Data Highlights

No numerical data or trial data were provided in the source material.

Key Findings

  • Opioid overdose deaths among older adults increased significantly from 2000 to 2020.
  • High-risk opioid use occurs in less than 5% of older adults prior to OUD or OD onset.
  • Current prediction models primarily focus on younger populations.
  • Misuse of prescription opioids is a pathway leading to OUD or OD in older adults.
  • Patient-reported factors such as pain intensity and depressive symptoms are predictors of OUD or OD risk.

Clinical Implications

Healthcare providers should consider unique risk factors for opioid use disorder and overdose in older adults.

Conclusion

The study emphasizes the need for predictive models to address opioid-related risks in the elderly population.

Related Resources & Content

  1. American Journal of Epidemiology, Temporal and Spatial Prediction of Fatal Opioid Overdoses: Advancing Methodologies for Modeling and Assessment, 2023
  2. Drugs - Real World Outcomes, An Extensive Observational Analysis of Trends and Risk Factors Associated with Opioid Overdose: Insights from Real-World Data for Improved Opioid Prescribing, 2021
  3. American Journal of Epidemiology, Assessment of Opioid Misuse Rates Across New York State Counties from 2007 to 2018 Using a Bayesian Spatio-Temporal Model, 2023
  4. Drug Safety, Creating Predictive Models to Identify Patients in End-of-Life Care Using Administrative Data, 2020
  5. U.S. Overdose Deaths Decrease for Third Consecutive Year in 2025 | NCHS Pressroom | CDC, 2025
  6. CDC Clinical Practice Guideline for Prescribing Opioids for Pain — United States, 2022, CDC
  7. Predictive Models for Identifying Adult Patients at High Risk of Developing Opioid-Related Harms: a Systematic Review - PubMed, 2023
  8. U.S. Overdose Deaths Decrease for Third Consecutive Year in 2025 | NCHS Pressroom | CDC
  9. CDC Clinical Practice Guideline for Prescribing Opioids for Pain — United States, 2022
  10. Predictive Models for Identifying Adult Patients at High Risk of Developing Opioid-Related Harms: a Systematic Review - PubMed

Original Source(s)

Related Content