Recent surveys have shown that misuse of prescription medications is the fastest growing drug problem in the United States particularly among those age 18 to 25 years old. The most commonly misused prescription medications among young adults are pain relievers and stimulants. Misuse or inappropriate use of prescription medications can result in variety of negative consequences including overdose and death. Some factors have been identified as potential motivations for prescription drug misuse including ease of access to prescription medications and the belief that prescription medications are less dangerous than illicit drugs. This study examines use and misuse of prescription medications and overdose treatment knowledge in young adults.
The study’s sample consisted of 1,663 young adults between 18 and 24 years old attending a southern New Jersey University. Participants completed an online survey that assessed use of medications in the past year that were not prescribed to them. Knowledge, perception, and awareness of drug overdose treatment were also measured. Lastly, demographic information including age, gender, year in college, and race/ethnicity was collected. Data was analyzed using Chi-Squared tests to assess for associations between year In college, perceived overdose treatment knowledge, stimulant drug use, and painkiller drug use.
Results of the data analysis showed 33% of the sample reported prescription opioid misuse in the past year. Oxycodone/Oxycontin was the most commonly used painkiller with 38% of students reporting use. Prescription stimulant misuse was reported in 15% of the sample. The most commonly misused stimulant was Amphetamine and Dextroamphetamine with 89% of reported use. Stimulant users were significantly more likely to use prescription pain medications compared to non-stimulant users. Lastly, young adults with overdose treatment knowledge were more likely to report misuse of prescription medications than individuals with less knowledge.
Takeaway: Young adults who misuse stimulants may be more likely to use prescription pain medications and greater knowledge of overdose treatment may be correlated with misuse of prescription medications.