ABSTRACT
The greatest prevalence rates of nonmedical use of prescription drugs are among 18- to 25-year-old young adults; approximately 15% of individuals in that age group misused prescription drugs in the past year. College students' cognitions about NMUPS serve as risk factors for use. Consistent with social norms theory and findings in the alcohol literature, most college students overestimated peers' NMUPS, which is associated not only with higher NMUPS but also hazardous drinking. Stimulants speed up the body's systems and are commonly prescribed to treat attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder. The most frequently reported negative consequences by college students are decreased appetite, insomnia, irritability, headaches, and stomachaches. Narcotics, also known as opioids, refer to a variety of substances that dull the senses and relieve pain. There is little research on college-specific risk factors associated with NMUPO. Low perceived harm and high sensation-seeking are correlated with increased NMUPO.
