Non-Medical Prescription Drug Abuse Among African American Youth: Research Findings

The prevalence of nonmedical prescription drug (NMPD) use, which is defined as using prescription drugs without a doctor's prescription, is increasing among youth. Estimates of reveal approximately 15 million Americans over age 12 used prescription pain relievers, tranquilizers, stimulants or sedatives non-medically at least once in the past year. Specific to African American youth, limited research is available on lifetime NMPD use. Therefore, the purpose of the study is to examine the extent of NMPD use among African American youth and determine risk and protective factors for use. A total of 7,488 African American students in grades 7th through 12th in public and private schools complete the PRIDE Questionnaire which examines youth substance use. Results indicated a sizeable percentage of African American students engaged in lifetime NMPD use. Logistic regression analyses found students engaging in risky behaviors and having friends who used alcohol, tobacco, and marijuana increased the odds of NMPD use. Conversely, engaging in prosocial behaviors, and having parents and teachers talk about the dangers of substance use decreased the odds of use. Having parents and schools set firm rules against drug use and enforcing rules was also associated with lower rates of NMPD use. Findings from this study may assist prevention specialists in developing and implementing future substance abuse prevention initiatives.