Dispelling the myth of “smart drugs”: Cannabis and alcohol use problems predict nonmedical use of prescription stimulants for studying

Abstract

This study tested the hypothesis that college students’ substance use problems would predict increases in skipping classes and declining academic performance, and that nonmedical use of prescription stimulants (NPS) for studying would occur in association with this decline. A cohort of 984 students in the College Life Study at a large public university in the US participated in a longitudinal prospective study. Interviewers assessed NPS; Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fourth Edition (DSM-IV) cannabis and alcohol use disorders; and frequency of skipping class. Semester grade point average (GPA) was obtained from the university. Control variables were race, sex, family income, high school GPA, and self-reported attention deficit hyperactivity disorder diagnosis. Longitudinal growth curve modeling of four annual data waves estimated the associations among the rates of change of cannabis use disorder, percentage of classes skipped, and semester GPA. The associations between these trajectories with NPS for studying was then evaluated. A second structural model substituted alcohol use disorder for cannabis use disorder. More than one-third (38%) reported NPS for studying at least once by Year 4. Increases in skipping class were associated with both alcohol and cannabis use disorder, which were associated with declining GPA. The hypothesized relationships between these trajectories and NPS for studying were confirmed. These longitudinal findings suggest that escalation of substance use problems during college is related to increases in skipping class and to declining academic performance. NPS for studying is associated with academic difficulties. Although additional research is needed to investigate causal pathways, these results suggest that nonmedical users of prescription stimulants could benefit from a comprehensive drug and alcohol assessment to possibly mitigate future academic declines.

Non-medical use of prescription stimulants for academic purposes among college students: A test of social learning theory

“…The findings also tell us that students use prescription stimulants non-medically because they believe they are an effective study aid. This feeds into the myth that prescription stimulants are "smart" drugs, which is contradicted by the empirical evidence that shows a negative relationship between grades and NMUPS (Arria et al, 2013;Ford and Schroeder, 2009;McCabe et al, 2005). Prevention and intervention programs need to deconstruct this myth and let students know that prescription stimulants are not a simple path to better grades.…”

“…We included a number of controls which prior research has shown increases risk of NMUPS in our models (Arria et al, 2013;McCabe et al, 2005;Rabiner et al, 2010). The controls included demographic characteristics such as age, gender (1 = male), and race (1 = white).…”

“…Analyzing data from a national sample of college students, McCabe et al (2005) identify several risk factors for NMUPS including gender (males), race (white), Greek affiliation, low GPA, and other substance use. Research drawing samples from single universities provide support for the risk factors outlined in this study (Arria et al, 2013;DeSantis et al, 2008;Low and Gendasek, 2002;McCabe et al, 2006;Rabiner et al, 2010;Shillington et al, 2006).…”

Cognitive Enhancement and Coping in an Australian University Student Sample

“…The need to understand rates of use and to characterize prototypical users is critical for support providers and regulators as they attempt to implement evidence-based health interventions, particularly for students experiencing problems with CE drug misuse (Arria et al 2013). …”

Adolescent Athletic Participation and Nonmedical Adderall Use: An Exploratory Analysis of a Performance-Enhancing Drug

“…Stud. Alcohol Drugs, 74, 714-719, 2013) T HE NONMEDICAL USE OF PRESCRIPTION stimulants (i.e., taking medications without a doctor's orders) as a cognitive performance enhancer among adolescents and young adults has produced an upsurge of research and public debate over the past several years (Arria et al, 2008a(Arria et al, , 2008b(Arria et al, , 2013Arria and DuPont, 2010;Rabiner et al, 2009;Teter et al, 2005Teter et al, , 2006. Currently, 1.2% of people ages 12-17 years and 3.1% of people ages 18-25 years have nonmedically used stimulants during the past year (Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, 2012).…”