An Exploratory Study of Socio-Cultural Factors Contributing to Prescription Drug Misuse among College Students

Abstract

Although recent increases in collegiate prescription drug misuse have generated a great deal of concern, there are few analyses available that examine the socio-cultural factors influencing these trends. This article attempts to address this gap in knowledge by providing an analysis of several socio-cultural factors influencing pharmaceutical misuse by college students. Prescription drugs are put to a number of different purposes in the collegiate setting, including self-medication, socio-recreation, and academic functioning. Such misuse is acceptable in a social context where individuals deliberately attempt to experiment with drugs. Widespread knowledge regarding effects, dosages, and compatibilities with other drugs, coupled with the extensive availability of pharmaceuticals in collegiate social circles, makes this class of drugs an attractive alternative to other psychoactive substances. These factors underscore several implications for substance abuse prevention efforts on college campuses and suggest a number of important issues for further research.

What Matters Most? Assessing the Influence of Demographic Characteristics, College-Specific Risk Factors, and Poly-drug Use on Nonmedical Prescription Drug Use

“…In particular, educational programs need to focus on the cultural norms that permit a "time-out" for students. 29 As noted by Quintero and colleagues, their exploratory and qualitative research has demonstrated the importance of placing nonmedical prescription drug use within the larger sociocultural context. 29,37 This problematic "time-out" culture that is pervasive on college campuses facilitates drug use, abuse, and experimentation among undergraduate students.…”

“…29,37 This problematic "time-out" culture that is pervasive on college campuses facilitates drug use, abuse, and experimentation among undergraduate students. 29 One could view prescription drugs as simply the new kid on the block, and although we are aware that prescription drugs pose a unique problem because of their easy accessibility and the misperception that they are safer than other illicit drugs (ie, cocaine), it is important to consider that the use of nonmedical prescription drugs among students has been incorporated into the drug culture.…”

Perceived Drug Use Functions and Risk Reduction Practices Among High-Risk Nonmedical Users of Prescription Drugs

“…Quantitative studies have reported motivations for misuse that include general reasons (e.g., to get high), and reasons linked to specific types of prescription drugs, such as opioids to relieve pain, tranquilizers to decrease anxiety, or stimulants to increase alertness (Boyd, McCabe, Cranford, & Young, 2006; McCabe, Boyd, &Teter, 2009; McCabe, Cranford, Boyd, & Teter, 2007; McCabe, Teter, & Boyd, 2005). Moreover, qualitative studies have reported social motives, for example, to facilitate social interactions and activities (Quintero, 2009b), and quasi-medical or self-medication motives, for example, to relax/relieve tension and to moderate the negative effects of other substances (Bardhi, Sifaneck, Johnson, & Dunlap, 2007; Hunt, Bailey, Evans, & Moloney, 2009; Quintero, Peterson, & Young, 2006). …”

Does the New Formulation of OxyContin® Deter Misuse? A Qualitative Analysis

“…OP: Reformulation of OxyContin that utilizes physical and chemical barriers to make tablets difficult to manipulate for misuse. Prescription drug misuse: The use of prescribed drugs without a prescription or against a licensed medical provider's directions (Quintero, Peterson & Young, 2006). Prescription opioids: Prescribed by a licensed medical provider to relieve pain and includes such pharmaceuticals as hydrocodone (e.g.…”