Misuse of "study drugs:" prevalence, consequences, and implications for policy.
BACKGROUND
Non-medical/illegal use of prescription stimulants popularly have been referred to as "study drugs". This paper discusses the current prevalence and consequences of misuse of these drugs and implications of this information for drug policy.


RESULTS
Study drugs are being misused annually by approximately 4% of older teens and emerging adults. Yet, there are numerous consequences of misuse of prescription stimulants including addiction, negative reactions to high dosages, and medical complications. Policy implications include continuing to limit access to study drugs, finding more safe prescription drug alternatives, interdiction, and public education.


CONCLUSIONS
Much more work is needed on prescription stimulant misuse assessment, identifying the extent of the social and economic costs of misuse, monitoring and reducing access, and developing prevention and cessation education efforts.
Sussman
Steve
S
Preventive Medicine and Psychology, Institute for Health Promotion and Disease Prevention Research, University of Southern California, 1000 South Fremont, Unit #8, Alhambra, CA 91803, USA. ssussma@usc.edu
Pentz
Mary Ann
MA
Spruijt-Metz
Donna
D
Miller
Toby
T
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000662:Amphetamines / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects; D002318:Cardiovascular Diseases / Q000139:chemically induced; D000697:Central Nervous System Stimulants / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects; D004644:Emotions / Q000187:drug effects; D006291:Health Policy; D006801:Humans; D001523:Mental Disorders / Q000139:chemically induced; D008774:Methylphenidate / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects; D055553:Prescription Drugs / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects; D015995:Prevalence; D019966:Substance-Related Disorders / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000209:etiology; D014481:United States / Q000453:epidemiology; D014495:Universities / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D055815:Young Adult
D000662:Amphetamines; D000697:Central Nervous System Stimulants; D055553:Prescription Drugs; D008774:Methylphenidate