Protective behavioural strategies of Belgian young adults who use psychoactive medicines nonmedically: insights for harm reduction

Abstract

The increase in the non-medical use of prescription drugs (NMUPD) has become a global health concern. Evidence shows that people who use psychoactive substances employ different strategies to minimise the harmful consequences of their use. However, most of the research investigating these protective behaviours focusses on the use of illicit drugs or alcohol. The goal of this paper is to improve the understanding of young adults’ nonmedical use practices of prescription drugs, perceptions about risks associated with use, and protective behavioural strategies (PBS), including the type of information they consult and rely on regarding prescription drugs. In order to gather in-depth insights into these issues, we conducted semi-structured interviews among young adults who have used prescription drugs nonmedically in Belgium. The PBS employed by the young adults encompass a spectrum of strategies that aim to minimise the negative consequences associated with NMUPD. They were mainly used to avoid acute side effects and long-term negative consequences. Reflecting on young adults’ own PBS and perceptions may be informative for developing harm reduction initiatives in the context of NMUPD.