Non-medical use of prescription medications among middle school students: a qualitative analysis

Abstract

Non-medical use of prescription medication (NMUPM) has surpassed all other drugs abused by adolescents with the exception of marijuana. One third of adolescents aged 12–17 have reported using a prescription medication for non-medical purposes in their lives. Twenty-five middle school students participated in in-depth interviews about their experience with NMUPM. Interviews were recorded, transcribed and downloaded to Nvivo 10 for analysis. Researchers identified 11 common themes among participants. Middle school students did not recognize prescription medications as potentially dangerous when used non-medically compared to using street drugs. Obtaining prescription medications for non-medical purposes was perceived as relatively easy and parents, friends’ parents and friends were major sources for obtaining them. NMUPM occurred at school even with teachers present and at parties and private homes with and without parents at home. Some students described using prescription medications as a means to satisfy desires for sensation and to deal with life problems. Practitioners can use these results to inform healthcare professionals, pharmaceutical companies, parents and adolescents of the prevalence and serious risks involved with NMUPM.