Work

Nonmedical Use of Prescription Stimulants During College: Four-Year Trends in Exposure Opportunity, Use, Motives, and Sources

Year: 2012

Type: article

Abstract: OBJECTIVE: Examine trends in nonmedical use of prescription stimulants (NPS), including motives, routes of administration, sources, cost, and risk factors. PARTICIPANTS: 1,253 college students. METHODS: Data were collected annually during academic years 2004-2005 through 2008-2009. Generalized estimating equations analyses evaluated longitudinal trends. Logistic regression models evaluated stability of associations between risk factors and NPS over time. RESULTS: Almost two-thirds (61.8%(wt)) were offered prescription stimulants for nonmedical use by Year 4, and 31.0%(wt) used. Studying was the predominant motive (73.8% to 91.5% annually), intranasal administration was modest (< 17% annually), and the most common source was a friend with a prescription (≥ 73.9% annually). Significant changes over time included decreasing curiosity motives, increasing overuse of one's own prescription, and increasing proportion paying $5+ per pill. Lower grade point average and alcohol/cannabis use disorders were consistently associated with NPS, holding constant other factors. CONCLUSIONS: Prevention opportunities exist for parents, physicians, and college administrators to reduce NPS.

Source: Journal of American College Health

DOI: 10.1080/07448481.2011.589876

Authors: Laura M. Garnier-Dykstra, Kimberly M. Caldeira, Kathryn B. Vincent, Kevin E. O’Grady, Amelia M. Arria

Institutions: University of Maryland, College Park, Treatment Research Institute

Language: English

Topic: Neuroethics, Human Enhancement, Biomedical Innovations

Subfield: Philosophy

Field: Arts and Humanities

Domain: Social Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: green

Funder: National Institute on Drug Abuse