Nonmedical use of prescription drugs: A comparison between intoxication-oriented and other nonmedical users

Nonmedical use of prescription drugs (NMUPD) is a major public health concern. The aim of the study was to compare intoxication-oriented users to those who utilised prescription drugs nonmedically for other purposes. The characteristics of the study groups, prescription drugs used, motivations for their use and sources of prescription drugs were also examined.

Data were derived from the population-based Drug Survey 2014 which was conducted in Finland. The respondents were divided into intoxication-oriented users (n = 118) and other nonmedical users (n = 74) according to the motivation behind their NMUPD. The reference population (n = 3277) did not report any NMUPD. Pearson's chi square test was used to compare the distributions. A multinomial logistic regression model was used to estimate the association of sociodemographic background and intoxicant use with NMUPD.

Low education level and illegal drug use were associated with intoxication-oriented and other nonmedical use of prescription drugs. Intoxication-oriented use was associated also with younger age and current smoking. Sedatives were the most commonly used prescription drugs among intoxication-oriented users, and opioids among other nonmedical users. Experimentation and facilitating social interactions as a motivation for use were emphasised among intoxication-oriented users. Friends and relatives were the most common sources of prescription drugs for nonmedical use, especially among intoxication-oriented users.

The characteristics, motivations and sources of nonmedically used prescription drugs differed in intoxication-oriented and other nonmedical users. These findings may help to identify those at risk for NMUPD. More attention should be paid to the motivations of NMUPD when new prevention and intervention methods are developed.