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Middle-aged adults, particularly those with a history of substance use disorder, demonstrate a significantly higher risk for opioid overdose for several reasons. This demographic often has more exposure to prescription opioids, which are commonly used to manage chronic pain, anxiety, or other medical conditions. Additionally, individuals in this age range may have accumulated a history of substance use that can compound their risk factors, including physical health issues, mental health struggles, and potential interactions with other medications they may be taking.

Moreover, this group often experiences societal pressures such as job stress or emotional challenges, which might lead to increased opioid use as a coping mechanism. The combination of tolerance developed from prior use and potential misuse can greatly heighten the risk of overdose, especially when opioids are mixed with other substances like benzodiazepines or alcohol.

In contrast, while teenagers and young adults do face risks due to experimentation and social influences, they don't typically have the same levels of chronic exposure or health complications as middle-aged adults with a background in substance use. Elderly adults over 75 years may also be at risk due to metabolic changes and polypharmacy, but the prevalence and impact of opioid overdose correlate more strongly with those who have a substantive history of use, which characterizes the middle