Correlates of Recreation- Versus Academic-Motivated Misuse of Prescription Stimulants

• Date: 01 July 2018
• Author: Kyle Yomogida,Jocelyne Mendez,Wilma Figueroa,Niloofar Bavarian
• DOI: 10.1177/0022042618774825
• Published date: 01 July 2018
• Subject Matter: Articles

https://doi.org/10.1177/0022042618774825

Journal of Drug Issues

2018, Vol. 48(3) 472 –484

© The Author(s) 2018

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DOI: 10.1177/0022042618774825

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Article

Correlates of Recreation- Versus

Academic-Motivated Misuse of

Prescription Stimulants

Kyle Yomogida1, Jocelyne Mendez1, Wilma Figueroa1,

and Niloofar Bavarian1

Abstract

Our goal was to compare and contrast the correlates of academic- and recreation-motivated

misuse of prescription stimulants (MPS). Questionnaires were distributed to a probability

sample of students attending two universities. We used a series of logistic regression analyses

to examine intrapersonal, interpersonal, and environmental correlates of use among academic-

motivated users (versus nonacademic-motivated users) and recreation-motivated users (versus

nonrecreation-motivated users; N = 257 students with MPS experience). Sensations seeking,

older age, academic concern, family perception of MPS, family and faculty endorsement of

MPS, perceived prevalence of MPS among friends, and financial stress were unique correlates

of recreation-motivated MPS. Inattention, friends’ perception of MPS, friend endorsement of

MPS, perception of willingness of health care providers to write prescriptions and negative

expectancies were unique correlates of academic-motivated MPS. Variables that were correlates

of both motives were race/ethnicity, year in school, avoidance self-efficacy, diversion, positive

MPS expectancies, MPS intention, and other substance use. These findings have important

prevention and intervention implications.

Keywords

prescription stimulants, recreational motives, academic motives

Background

The misuse of prescription stimulants (MPS) is characterized as use of any prescription stimulant

in excess of its prescribed amount, without a prescription, or for nonmedical reasons (Bavarian,

Flay, Ketcham, & Smit, 2015). Prescription stimulants are often prescribed to people who have

been diagnosed with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Common forms of pre-

scription stimulants include amphetamines, dextroamphetamines, and methylphenidates such as

Adderall, Dexadrine, and Ritalin, respectively. These drugs have a high potential for abuse and

dependence when misused (National Institute on Drug Abuse [NIDA], 2014). In addition, adverse

health effects from misuse include psychosis, myocardial infarction, and cardiomyopathy

(Lakhan & Kirchgessner, 2012). Thus, it is important to understand the scope of this addictive

behavior in at-risk populations.

1California State University, Long Beach, USA

Corresponding Author:

Kyle Yomogida, Student Research Assistant, California State University, Long Beach, 1250 Bellflower Blvd, Long

Beach, CA 90840, USA.

Email: Kyle.Yomogida@gmail.com

774825JODXXX10.1177/0022042618774825Journal of Drug IssuesYomogida et al.

research-article2018