Illicit Use of Prescribed Stimulant Medication Among College Students

Abstract

The authors investigated illicit use of stimulant medications at a midwestern university. They used a questionnaire to (a) examine the extent to which university students illicitly used stimulant medications prescribed for attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder; (b) determine why college students abused such drugs; and (c) identify the factors that predicted illicit use of prescribed stimulant medication. Findings revealed that 17% of 179 surveyed men and 11% of 202 women reported illicit use of prescribed stimulant medication. Forty-four percent of surveyed students stated that they knew students who used stimulant medication illicitly for both academic and recreational reasons. Students reported they experienced time pressures associated with college life and that stimulants were said to increase alertness and energy. Regression analysis revealed that the factor that predicted men's use was knowing where to get easily acquired stimulant medication, whereas the main predictor for women was whether another student had offered the prescribed stimulants.

Nonmedical Use of Prescription Stimulants Among College Students: Associations with Attention‐Deficit‐Hyperactivity Disorder and Polydrug Use

“…We also found that most students nonmedically use stimulants "purposefully" as an academic aid, that is, to help them study or cram for exams and write papers. 11, 31 We also found that the overwhelming majority of college students obtain prescription stimulants from friends, who either have or do not have a legitimate prescription.13 , 33 Lastly, consistent with McCabe et al, 32 we find it noteworthy that the students taking prescribed ADHD medication were outnumbered by lifetime nonmedical users of prescription stimulants, at a ratio of nearly five to one (45 vs. 218).…”

“…From a methodological standpoint, researchers should arrive at a consensus regarding terminology, rather than continuing to use a variety of terms, such as "misuse," 13,33 "abuse," 40 "illicit use," 12,31 and "unsanctioned use." 41 In our estimation, NPS is a difficult behavior to assess due to the high variability in how participants subjectively interpret the wording of questionnaire items, and these difficulties are compounded with populations being treated for ADHD.…”

“…We also found that most students nonmedically use stimulants "purposefully" as an academic aid, that is, to help them study or cram for exams and write papers. 11, 31 We also found that the overwhelming majority of college students obtain prescription stimulants from friends, who either have or do not have a legitimate prescription.13 , 33 Lastly, consistent with McCabe et al, 32 we find it noteworthy that the students taking prescribed ADHD medication were outnumbered by lifetime nonmedical users of prescription stimulants, at a ratio of nearly five to one (45 vs. 218).In this study, the proportion of lifetime nonmedical users who cited recreational reasons for use (i.e., getting high or staying awake to party) was somewhat lower than in previous reports, which yielded estimates ranging from 19.3% to 70%.11 , 13 , 20 , 33 Similarly, inhalation of stimulants (14.2% of lifetime nonmedical users) was also less prevalent in this study than elsewhere. Although these differences may be partially attributable to methodological differences in the wording of questions, mode of administration, or geographic differences; it seems noteworthy that the college student samples in these prior studies have all been considerably older, whereas the present sample was restricted to firstyear students aged 17 to 20.…”

Factors Associated With Initiation With Atomoxetine Versus Stimulants in the Treatment of Adults With ADHD: Retrospective Analysis of Administrative Claims Data

“…19,20 Although diverted STIMs must ultimately have come from someone, the current data do not assess whether the patients who filled their prescriptions are the same people who are using or selling their medication. Future research would be needed to examine the supply side of diversion to understand to what degree prescriptions that are intended for insured persons in this age group end up in the hands of others.…”

Misuse of Methylphenidate and Attitudes About Methylphenidate Among Resident Physicians

“…In previous studies, discrepant results were reported about rates of MPH use among genders [16][17][18] . In the Monitoring to Future Study, it was reported that MPH misuse within the prior year is more common among males than females 19 .…”