Prescription drug misuse in adolescents and young adults: an emerging issue as a health problem

In recent years, prescription drug misuse has become a common issue among adolescents and young adults in many countries, with, for example, a lifetime prevalence of 12% among individuals aged 12-17 in 2017 in United States.

To summarize recently published studies about prescription drug misuse among adolescent and young adults.

Prescription drug misuse has many definitions, one being any medication taken in a way other than prescribed, whether related to dosage or manner of usage. Among adolescents, it has a relationship with illicit drug use, decline in academic performance, future delinquency, and mental problems. Individual predisposing factors include identity crisis and role confusion, and there are also environmental influences. Preventive approaches include the use of monitoring systems. Management involves initial assessment and treatment, which largely focuses on behavioural interventions.

Further understanding of risk and protective factors, co-occurring issues, and treatment can help prevent and reduce the prevalence of prescription drug misuse. Collaboration among government, clinicians, and patients is urged to combat this growing issue.