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Nonmedical Use of Prescription Stimulants and Analgesics: Associations with Social and Academic Behaviors Among College Students

NCJ Number
226646
Journal
Journal of Drug Issues Volume: 38 Issue: 4 Dated: Fall 2008 Pages: 1045-1060
Author(s)
Amelia M. Arria; Kevin E. O'Grady; Kimberly M. Caldeira; Kathryn B. Vincent; Eric D. Wish
Date Published
2008
Length
16 pages
Annotation
This study assessed the nonmedical use of prescription stimulants and analgesics and their relationship to social and academic behaviors among college students.
Abstract
The social and academic behaviors of nonmedical users of prescription drugs (stimulants and analgesics) were significantly different from those of nonusers; they studied less, socialized more, and skipped more of their classes. They also earned lower GPAs, on average, by the end of their first year of college. Nonmedical use of analgesics was also related to decreases in GPA. However, this adverse effect on GPA could be related to the physiological effects of analgesics. Nonmedical use of prescription drugs has emerged as a significant public health issue in the United States. Stimulants and analgesics are the two most widely used classes of prescription drugs that are used nonmedically. The purpose of this study was to estimate the prevalence of nonmedical use of prescription stimulants and analgesics among a class of first-year college students, to determine the association between nonmedical use and social and academic behaviors in college, and to develop models predicting college academic performance based on social and academic behaviors and nonmedical use. Tables, notes, and references

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