Disordered opioid use sometimes begins with a prescription. Opioid use and dependence are major public health concerns, and for many people, dependence starts with a prescribed opioid to manage pain after surgery. Our study will examine people in a similar situation to see what happens in the blood while taking post-surgery opioids (codeine, Lortab, Percocet, etc.).

We’ll use advanced technology to find signs in the blood that can show if someone is at risk of experiencing cravings for opioids. If the study is successful in identifying distinctive markers in the blood of people at risk for craving opioids, then in the future we may be able to assist those people in avoiding the challenges associated with opioid misuse.

You may be eligible for this study if you meet the following criteria.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Ages 16-21
• Identify as Non-Hispanic White
• Scheduled for a future dental surgery that will result in an opioid prescription (e.g., wisdom tooth removal, dental implant surgery, root canal)
• No known allergy to opioids (codeine, Lortab, Percocet, etc.)
• If under 18, able to have a parent/legal guardian present for study procedures

Overall Duration

• Participation spans from before your dental surgery through a 6-month follow-up.

Study Visits

• 3 virtual visits: pre-surgery, 3-month follow-up, and 6-month follow-up
• 1 text survey 2 weeks after surgery
• 3 blood draws at a lab in Memphis, TN
• Questionnaires at each research visit

Other Details

• Not all participants will qualify for every visit
• If under 18, a parent or legal guardian must be present for all calls and procedures

Compensation of up to $150 is available for participants who complete all study visits.

There is no cost for you to participate in our research study.