Low perception of risk is a risk factor for
heroin use. Research is needed to determine whether this risk factor for
heroin use is affected by the use of other drugs. Data were analyzed from participants in the 2015/2016 National Surveys on
Drug Use and Health who denied lifetime
heroin use (N= 110,102). We examined how recency of use of various drugs and number of drugs used relate to perceptions that using
heroin is not a great risk. Results from multivariable models suggest that no lifetime
drug use, and recent
prescription opioid misuse and
methamphetamine use, in particular, were associated with higher odds of perceiving that
heroin use is not of great risk. Recent
marijuana use was associated with lower odds of reporting that
heroin use is not of great risk. Use of more drugs in one's lifetime, past year, and/or past month tended to be associated with lower odds of reporting
heroin use as not a great risk. Prevention experts should consider that recent
prescription opioid misuse in particular is a risk factor for the lower perception of risk, while individuals reporting no lifetime
drug use may also require better education regarding harms associated with
heroin use.