The misuse of Ambien among adolescents: prevalence and correlates in a national sample

Tranquilisers and sedatives misuse and associated factors among adolescents in Estonia: findings from cross-sectional ESPAD surveys, 2003-2019

OBJECTIVES

This study aimed to (1) to describe trends of tranquilliser and sedative (TS) misuse in Estonia during 2003-2019 and (2) to analyse the associations between TS misuse and explanatory factors (perceived access to TS, medical use of TS, family-related, friends-related, school-related factors, risk behaviour and leisure time physical activity).

DESIGN

A cross-sectional study.

SETTING

Data were collected from the European School Survey Project on Alcohol and Other Drugs (ESPAD) from 2003 to 2019 in Estonia.

PARTICIPANTS

Estonian schoolchildren aged 15-16 years old (n=11 328), 48.6% were boys.

OUTCOME MEASURES

Prevalence, crude and adjusted ORs with 95% CIs for TS misuse.

RESULTS

The prevalence of lifetime TS misuse significantly increased from 2003 (5.0% of boys and 12.6% of girls) to 2019 (11.3% and 17.5%, respectively) (p<0.001). Among boys, TS misuse increased significantly among those reporting medical use of TS from 21.1% to 41.4% in 2003-2019 (p=0.006). Medical use of TS multiplied the odds of misuse by 6.89 (95% CI 5.15 to 9.24) for boys and by 4.53 (95% CI 3.58 to 5.73) for girls. Perceived easy access to TS increased the odds of misuse by 6.57 (95% CI 4.13 to 10.46) times for boys and by 4.66 (95% CI 3.25 to 6.70) times for girls. Having many friends who misuse TS increased the odds of misuse by 3.27 (95% CI 2.16 to 4.95) times for boys and by 5.07 (95% CI 3.79 to 6.77) times for girls. Furthermore, higher odds of TS misuse were observed among adolescents who smoked cigarettes and engaged in less sports.

CONCLUSIONS

TS misuse prevalence among Estonian adolescents increased significantly from 2003 to 2019. Misuse was strongly associated with medical use, perceived easy access and friends' TS misuse. These findings emphasise the need for targeted prevention strategies, including improving prescription practices, limiting TS access and promoting healthy behaviours and positive peer relationships among adolescents.

Validation of the Arabic and French Versions of a Knowledge, Attitudes and Practices (KAP) Questionnaire on Tranquilizer Misuse

Tranquilizer misuse is an emerging international public health concern. The psychosocial determinants of this misuse remain understudied. Instruments to measure the Knowledge, Attitudes and Practices (KAP) of tranquilizer misuse are unavailable, except for a recently published questionnaire validated in the Spanish language. We translated the KAP questionnaire into Arabic and French, adapted it and undertook a complete validation procedure in the general adult population in Lebanon. The content validity indicators were good: item content validity index ranged between 0.89 and 1.00, the content validity index scale average was ≥0.95 and the modified Kappa statistic for each of the KAP items was equal to I-CVI. The intra-class correlation coefficient values (n = 100) were ≥0.62 for all Knowledge and Attitudes items, demonstrating the item reliability. Confirmatory factorial analysis (n = 1450) showed that the selected model of Knowledge and Attitude constructs has adequate fit indicators and encompassed three factors that showed acceptable internal reliability: Knowledge (Cronbach’s alpha = 0.72), personal Attitudes towards tranquilizers (Cronbach’s alpha = 0.79) and Attitudes towards healthcare providers (Cronbach’s alpha = 0.65). The Arabic/French questionnaire was highly accepted, with a response rate of 95.72% and item non-response rate ≤3.6%. The availability of a cross-cultural adapted and multilingual validated questionnaire would stimulate research on tranquilizer misuse.

Comparison of Longitudinal and Cross-Sectional Approaches in Studies on Knowledge, Attitude and Practices Related to Non-Medical Tranquilizer Use

Research about the association of knowledge and attitudes with practices (KAP) of non-medical tranquilizer use is scarce. We compared findings from cross-sectional and longitudinal approaches in a KAP-based study on non-medical tranquilizer use in Spain using data collected from the same population. Eight-hundred forty-seven participants completed a validated KAP questionnaire at baseline and were then followed-up bimonthly for one year for episodes of non-medical tranquilizer use. Non-medical use was defined as unprescribed use, non-adherence to treatment, storage/sharing of tranquilizers, or a combination of those practices. Adjusted odds ratios (ORs) and their 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were estimated using logistic regression from cross-sectional data and generalized linear mixed models for repeated measures in the longitudinal approach. Only the longitudinal approach showed that limited knowledge about the effect of tranquilizers on behaviour [OR: 3.24 (95% CI: 1.12–9.38)] and about the negative effect of their excessive consumption [OR: 4.12 (95% CI: 1.5–11.33)] is associated with storing/sharing tranquilizers. Both cross-sectional and longitudinal analyses indicated that personal attitudes towards tranquilizers and attitudes towards healthcare providers are associated with non-medical tranquilizer use, yet with different magnitude of associations. Differences between the two approaches were also observed for individual types of non-medical use. Certain discrepancies exist between findings from longitudinal and cross-sectional approaches on KAP of non-medical tranquilizer use. KAP studies are the backbone for designing and evaluating prevention programs on non-medical tranquilizer use, and hence choosing a proper study design, scrutinizing the associated biases, and carefully interpreting findings from those studies are required.

Roles of sedative-hypnotics in patients with recurrent major depressive disorder: a nationwide population-based 14-year follow-up study in Taiwan

BACKGROUND

The use of sedatives or hypnotics and the recurrence of depression have not been adequately explored. This study investigated the roles of sedative-hypnotics in patients with major depressive disorder (MDD). Various characteristics of sedative-hypnotic use were tested as risk factors for recurrence.

METHODS

Clinical records of 15,510 patients with major depressive disorder who prescribed selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSR) during 1997-2009 were collected from the National Health Insurance Research Database (NHIRD). Cox proportional hazard regression models were used to analyze factors related to depression recurrence.

RESULTS

The risk of MDD recurrence was lower for patients using SED/HYP with an indication of both anxiolytics and hypnotics (AHR = 0.66; 95% CI = 0.59-0.72) than for those using SED/HYP with an indication of anxiolytics only. AHR was slightly greater in current users than in recent users (AHR = 0.77; 95% CI = 0.72-0.83) and past users (AHR = 0.70; 95% CI = 0.67-0.74). There was a higher AHR of MDD recurrence in patients who used SED/HYP over 1 DDD in 1 month than those who used SED/HYP less than 1 DDD in 1 month, with the highest-dose users having the highest risk of MDD recurrence (AHR = 7.91; 95% CI = 6.86-9.11).

CONCLUSIONS

Patterns and characteristics of sedative-hypnotic use may affect depression recurrence. These findings should be considered by clinicians when combining sedative-hypnotics with antidepressant treatment.

Prescription Drug Misuse: Taking a Lifespan Perspective

Prescription drug misuse (PDM), or medication use without a prescription or in ways not intended by the prescriber, is a notable public health concern, especially in the United States. Accumulating research has characterized PDM prevalence and processes, but age-based or lifespan changes in PDM are understudied. Given age-based differences in the medical or developmental concerns that often underlie PDM, it is likely that PDM varies by age. This review summarizes the literature on PDM across the lifespan, examining lifespan changes in prevalence, sources, motives and correlates for opioid, stimulant, and tranquilizer/sedative (or benzodiazepine) PDM. In all, prevalence rates, sources and motives vary considerably by age group, with fewer age-based differences in correlates or risk factors. PDM prevalence rates tend to decline with aging, with greater use of physician sources and greater endorsement of self-treatment motives in older groups. Recreational motives (such as to get high) tend to peak in young adulthood, with greater use of peer sources or purchases to obtain medication for PDM in younger groups. PDM co-occurs with other substance use and psychopathology, including suicidality, across age groups. The evidence for lifespan variation in PDM is strongest for opioid PDM, with a need for more research on tranquilizer/sedative and stimulant PDM. The current literature is limited by the few studies of lifespan changes in PDM within a single sample, a lack of longitudinal research, little research addressing PDM in the context of polysubstance use, and little research on minority groups, such as sexual and gender minorities.

Examining the association between bullying victimization and prescription drug misuse among adolescents in the United States

BACKGROUND

Although studies have examined the association between bullying victimization and adolescent substance behaviors, there is a dearth of research investigating the association between bullying victimization and prescription drug misuse. The objective of this study was to examine the cross-sectional association between bullying victimization and prescription drug misuse among adolescents.

METHODS

Data for this study came from the 2017 Youth Risk Behavior Survey. A sample of 9974 adolescents aged 14-18 years (50.1% female) were analyzed using binary logistic regression with prescription drug misuse as the outcome variable and bullying victimization as the main explanatory variable.

RESULTS

Of the 9,974 adolescents, 13.1% misused prescription drugs. One in ten adolescents were victims of both school bullying and cyberbullying, 5.1% were victims of only cyberbullying, 9% were victims of only school bullying, and 75.8% experienced neither school bullying nor cyberbullying victimization. In the binary logistic regression model, adolescents who experienced both school bullying and cyberbullying victimization had 1.66 times higher odds of misusing prescription drugs (AOR = 1.66, p < .001, 95% CI = 1.34-2.06) and adolescents who experienced only school bullying victimization had 1.30 times higher odds of misusing prescription drugs (AOR = 1.30, p < .05, 95% CI = 1.02-1.64). Being lesbian, gay, or bisexual; feeling sad or hopeless; cigarette smoking; binge drinking; cannabis use; and illicit drug use were statistically significantly associated with prescription drug misuse.

CONCLUSIONS

Understanding the association between bullying victimization and prescription drug misuse could contribute to early identification of adolescents who may misuse prescription drugs.

Sedative/Tranquilizer Misuse is Associated With Alcohol and Illicit Drug Problems, Mental Health Issues, and Impulsivity and Compulsivity in University Students

BACKGROUND

This study examined the prevalence of sedative/tranquilizer misuse among university students and its associations with psychosocial correlates.

METHODS

Nine thousand four hundred forty-nine students received a 156-item anonymous online survey, which assessed the use of prescription sedative/tranquilizer (ever or past year), alcohol and drug use, mental health issues, and impulsive and compulsive traits. Sedative/tranquilizer misuse was defined as intake of these prescription drugs by individuals who had not been prescribed them.

RESULTS

Three thousand five hundred twenty-five university students (57.7% women) responded to the survey. The prevalence of past 12-month prescription sedative/tranquilizer misuse was 2.1%, with 2.8% reporting having used more than 12 months ago. Prescription sedative/tranquilizer misuse was associated with the use of multiple other drugs (eg, alcohol, opiates each P < 0.001). Those who misuse sedative/tranquilizers were significantly more likely to have mental health histories (P < 0.001), engage in riskier sexual behavior (ie, earlier sexual acts [P < 0.001] and less frequent use of barrier contraception [P = 0.001]), report low self-esteem (P = 0.001), and endorse traits of impulsivity (P < 0.001) and compulsivity (P < 0.001). Effect sizes were small to medium.

CONCLUSIONS

Misuse of prescription sedative/tranquilizers was reported by 2% to 3% of university students and was associated with a variety of mental health and drug use problems. Clinicians should be aware that certain mental health conditions are more likely in those who misuse sedatives. This study indicates the need for longitudinal research into the effects of chronic sedative use on brain function and mental health, especially in young people. Such research should address the extent to which impulsive traits predispose to various substance use problems, versus the direct effects of sedatives (and other substances) on mental health.

Prescription Drug Misuse: Sources of Controlled Medications in Adolescents

OBJECTIVE

Adolescent controlled prescription drug misuse (PDM) co-occurs with significant consequences, including lower educational achievement, substance use disorder (SUD) symptoms, and psychopathology. Nonetheless, adolescent PDM sources and the prevalence of other substance use, SUD, and mental health outcomes associated with sources remain poorly understood.

METHOD

Data were from the 2009 to 2014 National Survey on Drug Use and Health, including 103,920 adolescents (12-17 years of age). Six mutually exclusive sources were used: physician source only, theft/fake prescription only, friend/relative for free only, purchases only, other source only, or multiple sources. Analyses occurred separately for prescription opioids, stimulants, and tranquilizer/sedatives. PDM source prevalence across adolescents and by sex and school enrollment/engagement were estimated. Adjusted odds of past-year DSM-IV substance-specific SUD, marijuana use, any SUD, major depressive disorder (MDD), anxiety diagnosis, mental health treatment, and past-month binge drinking were estimated by source.

RESULTS

Friends/relatives, for free, was the most common source (29.0%-33.2%), followed by physician sources for opioids (23.9%), purchases for stimulants (23.5%), and tranquilizer/sedatives (22.7%). Few school enrollment/engagement differences existed, but female adolescents were more likely to use multiple sources. Over 70% of adolescents using multiple sources had a past-year SUD. Multiple sources, purchases, and theft/fake prescription were more strongly associated with other substance use than physician source use, and multiple source use was linked with MDD.

CONCLUSION

Adolescents using multiple sources, purchases and theft/fake prescriptions have elevated rates of other substance use, SUD and MDD and particularly warrant intervention. Also, adolescents with other SUD and MDD should be screened for PDM and misuse sources.

Insomnia in Adolescence

Adolescent insomnia is a common condition that negatively impacts a developing young adult's mental and physical health. While the treatment of adult insomnia has been standardized, the treatment of pediatric insomnia is very practitioner-dependent and few large-scale studies are available to determine a standard recommended practice. There is great hope that as the adolescent medicine and sleep medicine fields flourish, larger cohort analyses will be performed to determine the prevalence and precipitating factors of adolescent insomnia, allowing for standardized treatment recommendations and systematic efforts to make these recommendations available to all adolescents.

An Examination of the Importance of Strain in the Cannabis Gateway Effect

Gateway theory has been the source of much debate in both the research literature and public policy. Support for gateway sequencing has been mixed, especially in research that has considered the role of criminological variables in the etiology of substance use. For example, limited prior research has observed as important in gateway sequencing the effects of severe stressors. Data from the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent to Adult Health are utilized to test gateway theory and examine whether severe stressors affect the relationship between frequency of cannabis use and later use of other illicit drugs (OIDs). Findings suggest that while frequency of cannabis use does increase the likelihood of later use of OIDs, this relationship may be the result of the common cause of experiencing severe stress. Implications of the findings are discussed.

Does misuse lead to a disorder? The misuse of prescription tranquilizer and sedative medications and subsequent substance use disorders in a U.S. longitudinal sample

OBJECTIVES

We used two waves of National Epidemiologic Survey on Alcohol and Related Conditions (NESARC) data and examined whether the misuse of prescription tranquilizers or sedatives at Wave 1 was associated with either continued misuse, tranquilizer/sedative use disorder, or other substance use disorder (SUD) at Wave 2.

METHODS

Prospective data were analyzed from structured diagnostic interviews using the Alcohol Use disorders and Associated Disabilities Interview Schedule: DSM-IV Version (AUDADIS-DSM-IV). A nationally representative sample of 34,653 of U.S. adults, 18years or older at Wave 1 (2001-2002), were re-interviewed at Wave 2 (2004-2005). After applying the survey weights, the sample represented a population that was 52% female, 71% White, 12% Hispanic, 11% African American, 4% Asian and 2% Native American or other.

RESULTS

An estimated 79% of adults who engaged in tranquilizer or sedative misuse at Wave 1 had stopped using these drugs at Wave 2. Only a small percentage (4.3%) of misusers at Wave 1 had a tranquilizer or sedative use disorder at Wave 2. However, 45% (45.0%) of misusers at Wave 1 had at least one other SUD at Wave 2. Among those in remission from a sedative or tranquilizer use disorder at Wave 1, 4.8% had a tranquilizer or sedative use disorder while 34.7% had at least one other SUD at Wave 2.

CONCLUSIONS

Most adults who engaged in the misuse of prescription tranquilizers or sedatives ceased using within 3years; however, their prior misuse was associated with higher prevalence of having a SUD three years later.

The mediating effects of depressive symptoms and sleep quality on the relationship between the non-medical use of prescription drugs and suicidal behaviors among Chinese adolescents

BACKGROUND

The nature of the relationship between the non-medical use of prescription drugs (NMUPD) and suicide has not been clearly elucidated. Some studies have suggested that the relationship between substance use and suicidal ideation may be spurious and could be explained by other variables.

METHODS

A school-based cross-sectional study was performed in Guangzhou. A total of 5853 students completed questionnaires and were included in the study. NMUPD, alcohol use, illicit drug use, depressive symptoms, sleep quality, and suicidal behaviors were assessed. The mediating effects of depressive symptoms and sleep quality on the relationship between NMUPD and suicidal behaviors were examined using a structural equation model.

RESULTS

In the simple model without mediation, a positive relationship between NMUPD and suicidal behaviors in adolescents was found, which was independent of effects from the use of other substances. Both depressive symptoms and sleep quality were significant mediators of this relationship.

CONCLUSION

Public health and educational professionals should survey depressive symptoms and sleep quality and provide interventions when managing suicidal behaviors among adolescents engaging in NMUPD.

Assessment of the Abuse Potential of the Orexin Receptor Antagonist, Suvorexant, Compared With Zolpidem in a Randomized Crossover Study

Suvorexant is a dual orexin receptor antagonist approved in the United States and Japan for the treatment of insomnia at a maximum dose of 20 mg. This randomized double-blind crossover study evaluated the abuse potential of suvorexant in 36 healthy recreational polydrug users with a history of sedative and psychedelic drug use. Single doses of suvorexant (40, 80, and 150 mg: 2-7.5 × maximum dose), zolpidem (15 and 30 mg: 1.5-3 × maximum dose), and placebo were administered, with a 10-day washout between treatments. Subjective and objective measures, including visual analog scales (VASs), Addiction Research Center Inventory, and cognitive/psychomotor tests, were evaluated for 24-hour postdose. Suvorexant had significantly greater peak effects on "drug liking" VAS (primary endpoint) than placebo. Although effects of suvorexant on abuse potential measures were generally similar to zolpidem, they remained constant across doses, whereas zolpidem often had greater effects at higher doses. Suvorexant (all doses) had significantly fewer effects than zolpidem 30 mg on secondary measures, such as "high" VAS, Bowdle VAS, and Addiction Research Center Inventory morphine-benzedrine group. The overall incidence of abuse-related adverse events, such as euphoric mood and hallucination, was numerically lower with suvorexant than zolpidem. In agreement with its classification as a schedule IV drug, suvorexant demonstrated abuse potential, compared with placebo. The abuse potential was similar to zolpidem using certain measures, but with a reduced incidence of abuse-related adverse events. Although this suggests that the overall abuse liability of suvorexant may be lower than zolpidem, the actual abuse rates will be assessed with the postmarketing experience.

Association Between Zolpidem and Suicide: A Nationwide Population-Based Case-Control Study

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the association between zolpidem and the risk of suicide.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

In this nationwide case-control study, the case group comprised 2199 people who committed suicide or were hospitalized due to suicide attempt between January 1, 2002, and December 31, 2011. To create a control group, we randomly selected 10 people matched to each case according to age, sex, urbanization, and occupation. We measured the risk of suicide/suicide attempt in association with zolpidem exposure by using adjusted odds ratios (ORs) and assessed the dose-response effect of zolpidem.

RESULTS

After adjustment for potential confounders such as the comorbidities of schizophrenia, major depression, bipolar disorder, anxiety, insomnia, substance use, and other mental disorders, the Charlson comorbidity index, and use of benzodiazepine or antidepressants, zolpidem exposure was found to be significantly associated with the risk of suicide/suicide attempt with an OR of 2.08 (95% CIs, 1.83-2.36). The risk increased with the level of zolpidem use. The ORs (95% CIs) for cumulative defined daily doses of less than 90, 90 to 179, and 180 mg or more were 1.90 (1.65-2.18), 2.07 (1.59-2.67), and 2.81 (2.33-3.38), respectively (for trend, P<.001). Subgroup analyses showed that the exposure to zolpidem consistently increased the OR in different age groups, sex, urbanization level, occupation, mental disorders, and Charlson comorbidity index levels and in groups of people with or without the presence of insomnia.

CONCLUSION

This study demonstrated a significant association between using zolpidem and suicide or suicide attempt in people with or without comorbid psychiatric illnesses (all P<.05).

Predictors and consequences of prescription drug misuse during middle school

OBJECTIVES

Non-medical prescription drug use (NMPDU) is a growing public health problem among adolescents. This is the first study to examine the correlates of early NMPDU initiation during middle school, and how early initiation is associated with four domains of functioning in high school (mental health, social, academic, and delinquency).

METHODS

Students initially in 6th-8th grades from 16 middle schools completed in-school surveys between 2008 and 2011 (Waves 1-5), and a web-based survey in 2013-2014 (Wave 6). We used discrete time survival analysis to assess predictors of initiation from Waves 1 to 5 based on students who provided NMPDU information at any of these waves (n=12,904), and regression analysis to examine high school outcomes associated with initiation based on a sample that was followed into high school, Wave 6 (n=2539).

RESULTS

Low resistance self-efficacy, family substance use, low parental respect, and offers of other substances from peers were consistently associated with NMPDU initiation throughout middle school. Further, perceiving that more of one's peers engaged in other substance use was associated with initiation at Wave 1 only. By high school, those students who initiated NMPDU during middle school reported lower social functioning, and more suspensions and fighting, compared to students who did not initiate NMPDU during middle school.

CONCLUSION

NMPDU initiation during middle school is associated with poorer social functioning and greater delinquency in high school. It is important for middle school prevention programs to address NMPDU. Such programs should focus on both family and peer influences, as well as strengthening resistance self-efficacy.

Racial/Ethnic differences in factors that place adolescents at risk for prescription opioid misuse

Although considerable research attention is paid to the misuse of controlled medications, a relatively small number of studies focus on prescription opioid misuse (POM) among racial/ethnic minority adolescents. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of POM among adolescents in the three largest racial/ethnic groups (Whites, Hispanics, Blacks) and identify demographic and psychosocial factors that increase the risk of POM. Additionally, the authors applied concepts from social bonding theory and social learning theory to determine the extent to which these concepts explain adolescent POM among each group. Using data from the 2012 National Survey of Drug Use and Health, multivariate logistic regression models were estimated to determine which factors were associated with an increased risk of POM. Results show that Blacks (6.08%) have the highest prevalence rate of adolescent POM and risk factors vary by race/ethnicity. These findings are important in that they enhance the ability of prescribers to identify high-risk adolescent patients and help to make prevention interventions more culturally relevant.

Effect of Inhaled Lavender and Sleep Hygiene on Self-Reported Sleep Issues: A Randomized Controlled Trial

OBJECTIVES

To compare the effectiveness of lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) and sleep hygiene versus sleep hygiene alone on sleep quantity and sleep quality and to determine sustained effect at two-week follow-up.

DESIGN

A randomized controlled trial with investigator blinding and steps taken to blind the participants.

SETTING

Participants' usual sleep setting.

SUBJECTS

Seventy-nine college students with self-reported sleep issues.

INTERVENTIONS

The intervention took place over five nights with baseline, postintervention, and two-week follow-up assessments. Both groups practiced good sleep hygiene and wore an inhalation patch on their chest at night. One group wore a patch with 55 μl of lavender essential oil and the other group wore a blank patch.

OUTCOME MEASURES

Sleep quantity was measured using a Fitbit(®) tracker and a sleep diary, and sleep quality was measured using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) and the NIH Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS) sleep disturbance short form.

RESULTS

The lavender and sleep hygiene group demonstrated better sleep quality at postintervention and two-week follow-up (PSQI p=0 .01, <0.001 and PROMIS p=0.04, 0.007, respectively). The sleep-hygiene-only group also demonstrated better sleep quality but to a lesser extent (PSQI p=0.02, 0.06 and PROMIS p=0.03, 0.03, respectively). Additionally, a clinical effect was found for the lavender group at postintervention, along with a significant finding for waking feeling refreshed (p=0.01). Sleep quantity did not differ between groups.

CONCLUSIONS

Lavender and sleep hygiene together, and sleep hygiene alone to a lesser degree, improved sleep quality for college students with self-reported sleep issues, with an effect remaining at follow-up.

A prospective study of adolescents' nonmedical use of anxiolytic and sleep medication

The purpose of this longitudinal study (N = 2,745) was to determine whether adolescents' recent medical use of anxiolytic or sleep medication was associated with increased incidence of using someone else's prescription for these classes of medication (nonmedical use). Data were collected from adolescents attending 5 Detroit area secondary schools between December and April in 3 consecutive academic years between 2009 and 2012. Respondents were assigned to the following 3 mutually exclusive groups for the analyses: (1) never prescribed anxiolytic or sleep medication (in their lifetime); (2) prescribed anxiolytic or sleep medication in their lifetime, but not during the study period; or (3) prescribed anxiolytic or sleep medication during the study period. Almost 9% of the sample had received a prescription for anxiolytic or sleep medication during their lifetime, and 3.4% had received at least 1 prescription during the 3-year study period. Compared with adolescents never prescribed anxiolytic or sleep medication, adolescents prescribed these medicines during the study period were 10 times more likely to engage in nonmedical use for reasons such as "to get high" or "to experiment" (adjusted odds ratio [ORadj.] = 10.15; 95% CI [3.97-25.91]), and 3 times more likely to engage in nonmedical use to self-treat anxiety or to sleep (ORadj. = 3.24; 95% CI [1.67-6.29]). Adolescents prescribed anxiolytics during their lifetime but not during the 3-year study were 12 times more likely to use another's anxiolytic medication, compared with adolescents never prescribed anxiolytics (ORadj. = 12.17; 95% CI [3.98-37.18]). These risk factors have significant implications for later substance use problems.

Age cohort differences in the nonmedical use of prescription zolpidem: findings from a nationally representative sample

BACKGROUND

Recent warnings from the FDA have highlighted the potential risks associated with zolpidem use. These risks may be especially acute in nonmedical users of zolpidem, but little work has examined the characteristics of such nonmedical users. This study aims to investigate the correlates of nonmedical use of zolpidem (NUPZ) across the lifespan and potential age cohort-based differences in NUPZ correlates.

METHODS

Data from the 2009-2011 versions of the National Survey on Drug Use and Health were used (n=174,667). Analyses used weighted design-based logistic regressions to examine a set of substance use and mental health correlates within five separate age cohorts and differences in correlate magnitude between these cohorts.

RESULTS

Most examined substance use and mental health variables were significant correlates of NUPZ, though odds ratio (OR) magnitude tended to drop with increasing age. Age-based differences were most apparent for substance use correlates of both lifetime and past year NUPZ, with significantly higher ORs in adolescent nonmedical users. Mental health variables operated more consistently across age, with OR magnitudes that were generally in the same range, regardless of age cohort.

CONCLUSIONS

Age-based differences in NUPZ correlates suggest motives may change for NUPZ through the lifespan, though this cannot be established with the cross-sectional data used in this work. Clinicians screening for NUPZ should emphasize such screening in high-risk individuals with substance use and/or mental health problems.

The nonmedical use of prescription medicines among high school students: a cross-sectional study in Southern China

OBJECTIVES

The objective of this study was to examine the prevalence of the nonmedical use of prescription medicines (NMUPM) and the association between NMUPM and demographic, family and school factors.

METHODS

A cross-sectional study was conducted from 2007 to 2009. A total of 21,672 middle and high school students were surveyed in seven cities of Guangdong Province. Self-reported NMUPM and information regarding family and school factors were collected. Multilevel logistic regression analyses were used to explore potentially influential factors.

RESULTS

Of the total sample, the mean age was 16 (±1.9) years. Approximately 6.0% of respondents reported lifetime NMUPM. The most common nonmedically used prescription drug among NMUPM users was scattered analgesics, at approximately 3.9%, followed by cough medicine with codeine (2.1%). Multilevel logistic regression analysis indicated that living arrangements, available money, social friends, and smoking were significantly correlated with NMUPM among boys and girls. Academic achievement and family relationships were only significantly correlated with NMUPM among girls, and communication with parents was only associated with NMUPM among boys.

CONCLUSIONS

These results indicate that NMUPM represented a considerable problem for particular subgroups of adolescents. A well-established surveillance system and target intervention programs are needed given the potential long-term negative outcomes of NMUPM.

An Examination of the Situational Factors Associated With the Misuse of Prescription Analgesics Among College Students

The current study examined the effect that students' educational environment has on the prevalence and motivations associated with the misuse of prescription analgesics (MPA). A sample of 893 undergraduate students was recruited from one religiously affiliated private university and one public university in the Southern United States. Participants completed an in-class survey assessing MPA-related behavior and their associated motivations. Results indicated that students attending the religiously affiliated university displayed lower rates of MPA. Multivariate analyses revealed that a positive drug abuse screening, prescription status, and grade point average are the strongest predictors of past-year MPA for both schools. Some motivations for medical misuse differed significantly between campuses. Implications as to how these differences can inform programs aimed at the reduction of prescription analgesic abuse are discussed.