Normative perceptions of non-medical stimulant use: Associations with actual use and hazardous drinking. (March 2015)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Kilmer, Jason R.; Geisner, Irene Markman; Gasser, Melissa L.; Lindgren, Kristen P.
• Is Part Of: Addictive behaviors. Volume 42(2015)
• Page Start: 51
• Page End: 56
• Publication Date: 2015-03
• Subjects: Stimulants -- Non-medical use -- Prescription drugs -- Alcohol -- Normative perceptions -- College students; Substance abuse -- Periodicals; Alcoholism -- Periodicals; Drug addiction -- Periodicals; Nicotine addiction -- Periodicals; Smoking -- Periodicals; Gambling -- Psychological aspects -- Periodicals; Electronic journals; 362.29
• DOI: 10.1016/j.addbeh.2014.11.005
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0306-4603

Abstract

Abstract: Approximately 10% of US college students are engaged in non-medical use of prescription stimulants (NMUPS) and that use is linked to concerning health, educational, and societal consequences. Few studies have assessed normative perceptions surrounding NMUPS. Accordingly, we examined self-reported use and normative perceptions for NMUPS and demographic factors that may be associated with them. We also investigated whether higher normative perceptions for NMUPS were related to the most commonly used and abused substance among college students (alcohol). Method : 1106 undergraduates participated in an online survey of normative perceptions of NMUPS and students' own drinking and stimulant use habits. Results : Students overestimated NMUPS by other students and those normative estimates were associated with higher NMUPS. Living in a fraternity or sorority was related to higher NMUPS and perceived norms. Finally, higher normative perceptions of NMUPS were associated with higher hazardous drinking. Conclusion : The large discrepancy between actual use (generally low) and students' perceptions (generally high), and the relationship of these perceptions to both one's own use of NMUPS and alcohol suggests that interventions aimed at correcting norms may be useful. Highlights: 19% of students reported lifetime non-medical use of prescription stimulants. Most overestimated other's use and that was associated with higher self use. Students living in Greek housing reported higher NMUPS use and perceived norms. Normative perceptions of NMUPS predicted alcohol-related problems and disorder risk.