Assessment of risk perception and prevalence of prescription opiate use on a Midwest college campus

The problem of prescription opiate misuse has emerged as a growing issue across the United States. In recent years, the misuse has increased in prevalence among college students. However, little research has been conducted on misuse on small size liberal arts campuses. Therefore, the aim of this study was to determine the risk and prevalence of prescription opiate use on a Midwestern liberal arts campus compared to the data presented in the American College Health Association’s annual National College Health Assessment. Both in-depth interviews and a campus wide student survey were conducted. Results suggest that this liberal arts campus used less prescription opiates then the national average. However, students did not associate opiate misuse with adverse outcomes such as health issues, legal repercussions, or academic jeopardy. The results also suggest that students’ main purpose for misusing medications was for self-medication and academic functioning. In addition to this, the study found a lack of resources for students to dispose of unwanted medication or treatment options. Future studies should examine socio-cultural factors contributing to prescription opiate misuse in the liberal arts education setting.