Nonmedical Use of Prescription Stimulants: Age, Race, Gender, and Educational Attainment Patterns

Abstract

Illegal stimulant use has increased for several years in the U.S., particularly prescription stimulants prescribed for Attention Deficit Disorder. The propensity for youths to use medications sans prescription or to overuse for a ‘high’ has increased. This study analyzed data from the 2009 National Survey of Drug Use and Health. Of interest were age, race, and gender use rates, pointing to higher use among Whites and 18–25 year olds. Analysis of Adderall© and Ritalin© (and other methylphenidate) use indicated more Whites and persons aged 26–34 years have used stimulants non-medically than other age and racial groups. Ritalin© and other methylphenidates were misused at higher rates than Adderall©.

KEYWORDS:

• Stimulant misuse
• prescription stimulants
• drug abuse
• methylphenidates

Notes

*Significant at p ≤ .000 level.

*Significant at p ≤ .00 level.

**p ≤ .01 (two-tailed).