This study examines student's nonmedical prescription drug (NMPD) and marijuana use and whether anxiety, depression, ADD or ADHD symptoms are associated with their use and if students are self-medicating to alleviate symptoms. The method of obtaining this information was provided by a total of 278 college students who voluntarily and anonymously completed a Web-based survey. This study fills in the gaps of previous research and reveals the most frequent NMPD's used by students and their overall perceptions of their intended effects of the drug and answers why students do not seek professional help for their anxiety, depression and impulsivity symptoms. Results from the survey indicate that students who report NMPD use self- reported higher symptoms of anxiety, depression and impulsivity. NMPD users reported higher percentages of other substance abuse compared to nonusers. The most prominent NMPD's used by students are Adderall and Vicoden or Codeine. Data also indicates student's primary reasons for their NMPD use are related to academic purposes; as opposed to nonacademic. This analysis is further supported by the fact that the majority of NMPD users did not use before they began college and do not use while classes are not is session. Furthermore, students perceive their overall intended effects of their NMPD use to be beneficial, despite the known risks associated with their drug use. By examining college student's current NMPD use we can provide alternative solutions to students who are self-medicating as a coping mechanism for underlying issues or mental health disorders. Also, we can provide them with the necessary services in order to address their problems professionally.
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:ucf.edu/oai:stars.library.ucf.edu:honorstheses1990-2015-2471 |
| Date | 01 May 2013 |
| Creators | Thomas, Maria |
| Publisher | STARS |
| Source Sets | University of Central Florida |
| Language | English |
| Detected Language | English |
| Type | text |
| Format | application/pdf |
| Source | HIM 1990-2015 |
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