The Importance of Romantic and Work Relations on Nonmedical Prescription Drug Use Among Adults

Abstract

Drawing from Sampson and Laub's age-graded theory, we examine whether the presence and quality of social bonds influences nonmedical usage of prescription drugs (opioids, tranquilizers, sedatives, and stimulants). We analyze data from a large and nationally representative sample of adults from the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent Health (Add Health). Results from a series of logistic regression models indicate that married individuals are significantly less likely to use prescription drugs nonmedically than non-married persons. However, romantic relational satisfaction is also salient; cohabiters who are highly satisfied with their romantic unions are less likely to report misuse than cohabiters who are less satisfied in their relationships. Additionally, being highly satisfied at work predicts a lower likelihood of misuse, but only among cohabiters. Overall, age-graded theory is useful for understanding nonmedical prescription drug use, although romantic relationship bonds are generally more consistently influential than employment bonds. These results add to a growing knowledge base regarding patterns of nonmedical prescription drug use.

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Notes on contributors

Cindy Brooks Dollar

Cindy Brooks Dollar is an Assistant Professor at the University of North Carolina at Greensboro in the Department of Sociology. Her research focuses on issues of crime and deviance, power inequalities, and social control. Her work has previously been published in the Journal of Quantitative Criminology, Deviant Behavior, Sociological Quarterly, Sociological Forum, and several interdisciplinary journals.

Joshua A. Hendrix

Joshua A. Hendrix is a Research Public Health Analyst at RTI International in the Center for Justice, Safety, and Resilience. His research interests are in juvenile delinquency, family dynamics, and parent-child processes.