College is identified as a vulnerable time for individuals to engage in substance use. College students are more likely to misuse stimulant medications than other individuals in their twenties. Prescription drug misuse (PDM) is a public health concern in the United States, and college students are a high-risk group. The study aims to test associations between trajectories of PDM problems and college students’ mental health and subjective happiness over time.
This study consisted of 300 college students from a large Midwestern U.S. university. All participants were 1st and 2nd-year students between 18 and 21 years of age and reported recent drug misuse. Problems with prescription misuse were measured by having the participants complete a modified version of the 10-item Drug Abuse Screening Test, which was changed to measure the past six months of drug use. Drug was defined as nonmedical use of prescription medications, as well as illicit drugs. Internalizing symptoms such as depressive and anxiety symptoms were measured, as well as externalizing symptoms, subjective happiness, and other substance use problems.
This study found that the trajectory of PDM problems was associated with the trajectories of mental health outcomes among college students. The survey and preexisting literature suggest that although PDM may remain stable during college and decline after college, problems associated with PDM may follow a different path. This study also showed that college students who misuse prescription medications typically report higher alcohol and other substance use. As well individuals whose PDM problems increased over time showed a significant increase in depressive symptoms over time. This study showed the importance of implementing intervention and prevention programs on college campuses to prevent substance use and its related negative consequences.
Takeaway: Although occurrence of PDM may remain stable during college and decline after college, problems associated with PDM may follow a different path.