Simultaneous use of non-medical ADHD prescription stimulants and alcohol among undergraduate students

Abstract

Background Use of prescription stimulants used to treat Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) for reasons other than prescribed, known as non-medical use, is a growing problem among undergraduates. Previous studies show that non-medical prescription stimulant (NMPS) users consume more alcohol than individuals who do not use NMPS. However, research on simultaneous use of NMPS and alcohol is limited. The objectives of this study were to: (1) determine the prevalence of simultaneous use of alcohol and NMPS; (2) examine predictors and consequences of simultaneous NMPS and alcohol use among undergraduates. Methods In fall 2009, 4,090 students from eight North Carolina universities completed a web-based survey. Results Past year prevalence of NMPS use among this sample was 10.6% and simultaneous use of NMPS with alcohol was 4.9%. Among NMPS users, 46.4% used NMPS simultaneously with alcohol within the past year. Multivariable analysis revealed that simultaneous NMPS and alcohol use was associated with low grade point averages, use of other substances, and increased alcohol-related consequences. Simultaneous NMPS and alcohol users reported experiencing significantly more negative consequences than either past year drinkers who did not use prescription stimulants and concurrent NMPS and alcohol users (use over the past year but not at the same time). Conclusions Simultaneous use of NMPS and alcohol is high among NMPS users in our sample of undergraduate students. Simultaneous users are at increased risk of experiencing negative consequences. Thus, prevention and intervention efforts should include a focus on simultaneous NMPS and alcohol use.

What are young adults smoking in their hookahs? A latent class analysis of substances smoked

“…This finding is consistent with the literature which highlights co-occurring substance use behaviors among college students (Ahijevych & Garrett, 2004; Egan, Reboussin, Blocker, Wolfson, & Sutfin, 2012; O’Brien, McCoy, Rhodes, Wagoner, & Wolfson, 2008; O’Grady, Arria, Fitzelle, & Wish, 2008; Snipes & Benotsch, 2013). …”

Concurrent Versus Simultaneous Use of Alcohol and Non-Medical Use of Prescription Drugs: Is Simultaneous Use Worse for Mental, Social, and Health Issues?

“…Indeed, simultaneous use has been associated with more detrimental effects in comparison to concurrent use, including social, psychosocial, and health-related consequences (Martin 2008;Midanik, Tam & Weisner 2007), as well as drug use-related problems . For alcohol and NMUPD co-use, it was reported that simultaneous use of alcohol and ADHD prescription stimulants was associated with increased alcohol-related consequences, increased substance use, and lower academic performance (Egan et al 2013). However, this study focused on one kind of NMUPD only.…”

Prescription Drug Misuse and Sexual Behavior Among Young Adults

“…Results from the 2012 National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH) indicate that 5.3% of 18–25 year olds report past month nonmedical use of prescription drugs (Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, 2013). Studies of college students indicate even higher rates of use, with 25% of college students reporting illicit prescription stimulant use ever during college in one sample (Bavarian, Flay, Ketcham, & Smit, 2013) and 10.6% reporting past year nonmedical prescription stimulant use in another sample of college students (Egan, Reboussin, Blocker, Wolfson, & Sutfin, 2013). Surveys in New York City bars and clubs find even higher rates of misuse among young adults (18–29 year olds), with 46.7% reporting lifetime prescription drug misuse and 22.4% reporting misuse in the prior three months (Kelly et al, 2013a).…”