Non-prescribed pharmaceutical stimulants use among adolescents: a way to self-care or peer success?

Original research
by
Baroni, Marina et al

Release Date

2023

Geography

Italy

Language of Resource

English

Full Text Available

No

Open Access / OK to Reproduce

No

Peer Reviewed

Yes

Objective

The present study aimed to investigate the potential links between different patterns of non-medical use of pharmaceutical stimulants, psycho-social factors, and other risky behaviours (e.g. psychoactive substance use).

Findings/Key points

The findings highlight the key role of psycho-social factors and engagement in other risky behaviours in either reducing or promoting the risk of pharmaceutical stimulants without a medical prescription (PSWMP) use. Particularly, being satisfied with peer relationships and with oneself is significantly associated with lower use of PSWMP. Conversely, the consumption of other psychoactive substances (both legal and illegal) and engagement in other risky behaviours (e.g., gambling and cyberbullying) may increase this phenomenon.

Design/methods

Data from a sample of 14,685 adolescents aged 15-19

Keywords

About PWUD
Youth
Stimulants