Patterns of and resasons for prescription drug use and misuse among younger adults in St.Louis: Focus group findings

Background: This paper reports the findings from focus groups with younger adults, conducted as part of a large NIDA funded Prescription Drug Misuse and Abuse study in St. Louis, designed to elucidate factors predictive of prescription drug misuse, abuse, and dependence.

Methods: Seven focus groups using a semi-structured interview guide were conducted with 20 young adults, aged 18-25 years, living in the city of St. Louis to explore:  patterns, reasons and perceptions of misuse, and perceptions of dependence. The audio tapes were transcribed and analyzed using the qualitative software Atlas ti™.

Results: Participants, especially college students, reported widespread prescription drug misuse. Adderall, mentioned as a “study drug”, was reported as the most commonly misused prescription drug along with Xanax, Vicodin, Valium, Percocet, Klonopin and Oxycontin. Reasons for misuse were “to stay focused while studying”, “to keep awake”, “to feel good” and “to feel the ‘high’ faster” with a minimal number of alcoholic drinks while partying. Participants viewed prescription drugs as less harmful and stigmatizing compared to other illegal drugs.  Several mentioned experiencing withdrawal symptoms such as anxiety, palpitations, craving or feeling down while not using prescription drugs. A pattern of substituting prescription drugs with other illegal drugs was reported when prescription drugs were not available.

Conclusions: Findings indicate an alarming trend of increased acceptance and reduced stigma of prescription drug misuse among younger adults.   The study also provided specific reasons that encourage young adults to initiate misuse which could be used to develop interventions focusing young adults, especially college students.