Nonmedical prescription drug use among college students: a comparison between athletes and nonathletes

Given the substantial increase in nonmedical prescription drug use in recent years and a lack of research on the topic, the author analyzed data on nonmedical prescription drug use among college students.

Using data from the 2001 College Alcohol Study (N = 10,904), the author examined variation in nonmedical prescription drug use on the basis of athletic involvement. Previous research shows that college athletes are at greater risk for certain types of substance use.

Findings indicate that athletes are less likely to report nonmedical prescription drug use than are nonathletes.

This shows that involvement in athletics, especially for women, is a protective factor for substance use among college students.