The United States continues to face a significant opioid epidemic, with adolescence representing a critical period of vulnerability. Opioid prescriptions during adolescence have been associated with increased risk of later misuse, highlighting the importance of careful prescribing practices in acute pain management. Nearly half of opioid prescriptions for youth aged 0–21 are considered high risk, underscoring the need for physicians to consider broader physical and psychosocial factors when developing treatment plans. While previous research has identified demographic characteristics, prior substance use, and chronic pain as predictors of persistent opioid use, the influence of peer relationships, pain self-efficacy, and physical function remains unclear. This study examines opioid use among adolescents aged 14–18 in the context of acute pain, exploring how patient-reported physical function and psychological factors (including peer relationship quality and pain self-efficacy) relate to prescription opioid use.
