Abstract

BACKGROUND
Misuse of prescription psychiatric medications is increasing on college campuses. Sources of medications include friends or family, obtaining prescriptions fraudulently or from multiple physicians, and buying drugs online.
OBJECTIVE
This study assessed psychosocial correlates of medication-seeking behaviors in college students to identify characteristics of potential prescription drug misusers.
METHODS
The sample included 383 participants (59.2% female) recruited from various campus locations and online classes of a Division I university in the southeastern region of the United States, with an enrollment of approximately 50,000 students. Participants anonymously completed self-report questionnaires.
RESULTS
Misusers of prescription psychiatric medication were more likely to have health insurance and to know someone else who had misused that medication. They were more likely to endorse positive attitudes regarding medication-seeking. There was a significant correlation between positive medication-seeking beliefs and reported medication-seeking behaviors. The most common and most accepted form of medication-seeking was asking for the medication from a peer.
CONCLUSIONS
Results suggest the need for further education regarding the dangers of psychiatric medication-seeking, particularly related to seeking medication from peers.
SCIENTIFIC SIGNIFICANCE
This study is the first to assess psychosocial characteristics of college students who seek prescription psychiatric medications for misuse. The information obtained may be used for risk assessment and preventive efforts.

Links

Publisher Full Text

Authors

Stone AM, Merlo LJ

Institution

McKnight Brain Institute, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610-0183, USA.

Source

The American journal of drug and alcohol abuse 38:4 2012 Jul pg 314-21

MeSH

Adolescent
Drug-Seeking Behavior
Female
Humans
Male
Prescription Drugs
Psychotropic Drugs
Questionnaires
Risk Assessment
Students
Substance-Related Disorders
United States
Universities
Young Adult

Pub Type(s)

Journal Article
Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

Language

eng

PubMed ID

22681334