Engagement in risk behaviors among adolescents who misuse prescription drugs: evidence for subgroups of misusers

Abstract

Background: This study examines whether there is variation in selected risk behavior engagement (multiple sexual partners, binge drinking, vandalism, self-harm and suicide ideation) among groups of high school students who report misusing prescription drugs.

Methods: Data were taken from the Minnesota Student Survey. Participants (n = 64 997) were categorized into four groups: non-drug users; prescription-only users; prescription and marijuana (cannabis) users; and prescription and other illicit drug users. Risk behavior engagement was compared across groups using general linear modeling.

Results: Significant variation in externalizing risk behaviors (number of sexual partners, binge drinking, vandalism) was found, with greater variation among females. Variation was also found for internalizing risk behaviors (self-harm and suicide ideation), though the differences between drug use groups were less drastic.

Conclusions: Distinct subgroups exist among adolescents who misuse prescription drugs. Researchers should consider these differences when assessing analytic strategies; those who work directly with adolescents who misuse prescriptions should consider these differences when designing interventions.

• Adolescents
• controlled substance
• misuse
• prescription
• risk behaviors

Acknowledgements

The authors would like to thank the Minnesota Student Survey Interagency Team for making the dataset available for this analysis.

Notes

¹Participants in this group may or may not have reported use of marijuana in addition to use of other illicit substance(s).

²The 2009 eligibility level in Minnesota for free or reduced price lunch was an annual income of $40 793 for a family of four (Minneapolis Public Schools, 2010).