A new study examined the mechanisms that shape prescription drug misuse behaviors in young adults. Study participants were 440 New York City residents aged 18 to 29 years who reported misusing prescription painkillers, stimulants, or sedatives at least three times during the past six months, including at least once in the past three months. Participants completed quantitative surveys about their drug use and peer groups. Additionally, the authors conducted 214 qualitative interviews with participants and analyzed 70 of these interviews. Quantitative results indicated for every additional source of drugs, participants’ frequency of misuse increased by 16% and the desire to have a pleasant time with others was significantly positively associated with frequency of misuse. Neither peer pressure nor obtaining drugs from friends were significant predictors of frequency of misuse in the final model. Analysis of the qualitative interviews indicated peers are a key source of prescription drugs, which are often provided for free as gifts or favors, as well as liaisons to a wider network of prescription drug sources. Participants reported prescription drug misuse was normalized within their friend groups, even among peers who did not misuse drugs themselves, and misusing these drugs was a common way to have a good time. Comments on the influence of peer pressure were mixed.
Take away: For young adults, peers are important influencers of prescription drug misuse. Drug sources, peer group norms, and a desire to enhance social experiences may be important factors in the frequency of engaging in this behavior.