Prescription Drugs (PDs) misuse is when an individual uses PDs without a doctor’s prescription for unapproved uses. Many negative consequences are associated with prescription drug misuse, such as physical dependence, withdrawal symptoms, intranasal injury, accidental overdose, death, and more. Recently, studies have reported that lifetime prescription drug misuse rates among young adults are over 50%. Misusing drugs is most likely to occur for individuals while at a university. This study reported that prescription drug misuse motives were supported by either self-medicating their emotional states and physical conditions or for leisure. Previous studies have shown that personality plays a notable role in the prediction of addictive behavior. This study explores this correlation.
This study consisted of 1755 first-year college students. The students ranged from ages 18 up to 25 years old. Personality was evaluated using the 23-item Substance Use Risk Profile Scale (SURPS). Prescription drug use, alcohol dependence, and demographics were also measured. Four-factor personality models’ ability to predict adults’ use of prescription drugs was assessed. Previous theories have suggested that anxiety sensitivity would be associated with the help of sedatives or tranquilizers, hopelessness would be related to opioid use, Sensation Seeking would be associated with stimulant use, and impulsivity would be associated with all three.
This study’s results showed many significant personalities to prescription drug linkages. Impulsivity was a reliable indicator of poly-substance use. For prescription drug misuse, critical links consisted of sensation-seeking to stimulants, impulsivity to opioids, sedatives/tranquilizers, and stimulants. Overall, these results suggested that focusing on personality vulnerability and treating symptoms such as anxiety and depression could reduce prescription drug misuse among young adults.
Takeaway: This study’s results showed many significant personalities to prescription drug linkages suggesting that focusing on personality vulnerability and treating symptoms such as anxiety and depression could reduce prescription drug misuse among young adults.