Driving Under the Influence of Prescription Drugs Used Nonmedically: Associations in a Young Adult Sample

ABSTRACTBackground: Over the past 20 years, there has been a dramatic increase in the nonmedical use of prescription drugs (NMUPD). However, minimal attention has been given to driving under the influence of prescription drugs used nonmedically. Methods: This study examines attitudes and characteristics that might be associated with driving while engaging in NMUPD. College students (N = 763) aged 18–25 years completed online surveys assessing demographic information, NMUPD, recreational use of other drugs, psychological variables, attitudes towards NMUPD and driving, and driving behavior. Results: Overall, 28.0% of participants reported lifetime NMUPD; 12.2% reported ever driving while engaging in NMUPD; and 7.9% reported this behavior in the past 3 months. Participants who reported engaging in NMUPD while driving were significantly more likely to report the use of alcohol, marijuana, ecstasy, cocaine, methamphetamine, ketamine, GHB (γ-hydroxybutyric acid), rohypnol, and mephedrone. These participants als...