NCJ Number
213368
Journal
Journal of Addictive Diseases Volume: 24 Issue: 4 Dated: 2005 Pages: 1-16
Date Published
2005
Length
16 pages
Annotation
This study explored the nature, extent, and outcomes of prescription drug abuse among ecstasy users in Miami.
Abstract
Overall, participants reported high rates of lifetime use of a variety of substances, including prescription sedatives and prescription opioids. Over 82 percent of participants reported abuse of at least one prescription drug. Participants who reported prescription drug abuse were more likely to have sought drug treatment in the past and to view their drug behaviors as problematic in comparison to their ecstasy using counterparts who did not use prescription drugs. Prescription drug users were also more likely to have depression symptoms, to report polydrug use, to have risky drug behaviors, and to have an arrest history than nonprescription users. Prescription drug abuse was more common among males and males also reported lifetime drug abuse in more drug categories than females. The findings suggest that prescription drugs are becoming an integral part of an expanding pattern of polydrug abuse among young people. Participants were 143 ecstasy users in Miami who were recruited through nightclub and college campus outreach, through advertisements in alternative print media, and through participant referrals. Participants completed a series of self-report instruments including the Risk Behavior Assessment, Substance Abuse Module, and Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale. Data analysis was completed using a standard statistical package and included two-tailed Pearson chi-square tests and one-way ANOVA procedures. Future research should include larger samples and identify the methods of access and ingestion of the drugs, as well as the health and social consequences of polydrug abuse. Tables, references