Prescription drug misuse occurs when prescription medications are consumed without a prescription, in a higher or more frequent dose than prescribed, through unintended routes, for unapproved uses, and/or in conjunction with other substances that are contraindicated. Prescription drug misuse can result in a variety of negative consequences including physical dependence, injury to organs, and accidental overdose. Despite these risks, reported lifetime prescription drug misuse rates among young adults have surpassed 50%. Many studies have suggested that personality may influence addictive behaviors and prescription drug misuse. This study examines the impact of anxiety sensitivity, hopelessness, sensation seeking, and impulsivity on prescription drug misuse among young adults.
The study’s sample consisted of 1,755 young adults age 18 to 25 years old from Karachi, Pakistan. Participants completed on online survey that assessed personality characteristics associated with anxiety sensitivity, hopelessness, sensation seeking, and impulsivity. Respondents were also asked to report use of opioids, sedatives/tranquilizers, and/or stimulants during the term and why the prescription medication was taken. Lastly, alcohol dependence was assessed using the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT). Data was analyzed using multivariate path models to assess for personality factors related to prescription drug misuse.
Results of the data analysis showed the most common medication taken was opioids and the most common reason for taking opioids was authorization by a doctor. The second most frequently used prescription medication was stimulants. Most of the participants that reported stimulant use indicated misuse and the most frequently endorsed reason for misuse was “as a study help.” Use of sedatives and tranquilizers was least common. Anxiety sensitivity, hopelessness, and sensation seeking all significantly correlated with sedative/tranquilizer, opioid, and stimulant use. Impulsivity was related to stimulant, sedative, and tranquilizer use. Sensation seeking was associated with stimulant misuse, impulsivity was related to unrestrained prescription drug misuse, and anxiety sensitivity was somewhat correlated with overuse of sedatives and tranquilizers.
Takeaway: Personality traits may impact prescription drug misuse among young adults.