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Self-Treatment vs. Recreational Motives: Differentiating Nonmedical use of Prescription Drugs among Youth
International Journal of Child, Youth and Family Studies (2013)
  • Whitney DeCamp, Western Michigan University
  • Erin J. Farley, Center for Court Innovation
  • Daniel J. O’Connell, University of Delaware
Abstract
Nonmedical use of prescription drugs has become a serious social problem among American youth. Two general categories of motives for the nonmedical use of prescription drugs include self-treatment and recreational use. This study assesses differences between nonmedical prescription drug users based on their self-reported motivation for using prescription drugs. Data come from more than 11,000 11th grade students in Delaware public schools. Analyses indicate significant differences in prevalence, correlates, and consequences on nonmedical use of prescription drugs based on motivation for use. Analysis reveal that, among those students who reported non-medical use of prescription drugs, those who are using for recreational purposes are significantly more likely to engage in other risk behaviors, such as using other illicit substances and engaging in violent behavior.
Keywords
  • Substance Use,
  • Recreational Use,
  • Prescription Drugs
Publication Date
2013
DOI
10.18357/ijcyfs42201312210
Citation Information
DeCamp, Whitney, Erin J. Farley, and Daniel J. O’Connell. (2013). Self-Treatment vs. Recreational Motives: Differentiating Nonmedical use of Prescription Drugs among Youth. International Journal of Child, Youth and Family Studies, 4, 245-258. doi:10.18357/ijcyfs42201312210
Creative Commons license
Creative Commons License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons CC_BY-NC International License.