Nonmedical use of prescription drugs among young adults in Appalachia

Prescription drug abuse has recently been declared a major public health concern. The Center for Disease Control states that more than 12 million people reported using prescription drugs nonmedically in 2010. Moreover, data confirm worsening trends in prescription drug misuse among young adults. Young adults in the Appalachian region of the United States, particularly, report higher levels of prescription drug misuse than young adults in other areas of the country. While research has identified some risk factors associated with the high prevalence rates across the nation, a better understanding is needed of how young adults view nonmedical use of prescription drugs. Given that Appalachia is a hotbed of prescription drug misuse, it is an ideal region for exploring this public health concern.

Semi-structured interviews explored participants’ experiences with prescription drugs. Recruitment was conducted in 6 counties in the Appalachian region of East Tennessee, with a community sample of 29 adults between the ages of 18 and 24. The research team used a constant comparative method to analyze transcripts, meeting regularly to discuss prominent themes until categories and subcategories were refined.

The data highlight the reasons for initiation, perceived risks and benefits associated with usage, means of accessing prescription drugs, and common settings where participants engage in nonmedical use of prescription drugs. Data have significant implications for the development of policies and interventions to curtail prescription drug misuse and to help educators improve the overall culture surrounding nonmedical use of prescription drugs for future generations.