Prescription drug abuse among ecstasy users in Miami.
This study examines the nature, extent and consequences of prescription drug abuse among 143 ecstasy users in Miami. Participants were recruited through nightclub and college campus outreach, and through respondent referrals. Instrumentation included the Risk Behavior Assessment, Substance Abuse Module and Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale. Median age was 23, 42% were female and 50% Hispanic. An arrest history was reported by 44%, and 33% reported prior drug/alcohol treatment. Prescription drug abuse was reported by 87%; alprazolam (57%), oxycodone (36%), hydrocodone (32%) and diazepam (30%) were cited most often. Prescription drug abusers were more likely to report polydrug use, drug treatment histories, risky drug use behaviors, and symptoms of depression. They also reported numerous physical, psychological and social consequences of prescription drug abuse. Additional studies among larger samples are needed to understand the processes of prescription drug access and the extent of integration in club drug using cultures.
Kurtz
Steven P
SP
Center for Drug and Alcohol Studies, 10977 East Main St, Coral Gables, FL 33134, USA. skurtz@udel.edu
Inciardi
James A
JA
Surratt
Hilary L
HL
Cottler
Linda
L
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000525:Alprazolam; D002391:Catchment Area, Health; D003975:Diazepam; D011307:Drug Prescriptions / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D005006:Ethnicity / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D005260:Female; D005431:Florida / Q000453:epidemiology; D006801:Humans; D006853:Hydrocodone; D008297:Male; D018817:N-Methyl-3,4-methylenedioxyamphetamine; D010098:Oxycodone; D019966:Substance-Related Disorders / Q000453:epidemiology*; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires
D006853:Hydrocodone; D010098:Oxycodone; D018817:N-Methyl-3,4-methylenedioxyamphetamine; D003975:Diazepam; D000525:Alprazolam