THURS-012 - Exploring Patterns, Motivations, and Consequences of Drug Diversion Among College Students

Brief Abstract Summary: Drug diversion poses significant health, legal, and academic risks among college students, and misuse of these substances can cause a variety of health problems. Although much of the research in this area is focused on stimulant misuse, understanding the prevalence, motivations, and impacts of drug diversion for a variety of substances on college campuses is crucial for developing effective prevention strategies for this population. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to investigate the prevalence, motivations, and perceived consequences of drug diversion among college students. A cross-sectional survey will be administered to undergraduate students at a Northeastern university to assess drug diversion behaviors. Results from this study can help universities create targeted programs to reduce drug diversion and provide alternative coping mechanisms for students facing academic and mental health pressures.

Detailed abstract description: Drug diversion, or the illegal distribution or misuse of prescription drugs to individuals for whom they were not prescribed, poses significant health, legal, and academic risks among college students. Misuse of these substances can result in addiction, overdose, can exacerbate or contribute to mental health issues, and can impair cognitive function. Commonly diverted drugs include prescription stimulants (e.g., Adderall), opioids (e.g., oxycodone), benzodiazepines (e.g., Xanax), and other controlled substances. There are several reasons why college students engage in drug diversion. These include: social reasons, experimentation, stress relief/management, to improve academic function, experimentation, and availability. Although much of research is focused on stimulant misuse among this population, understanding the prevalence, motivations, and impacts of drug diversion for a variety of substances on college campuses is crucial for developing effective prevention strategies for this population. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to investigate the prevalence, motivations, and perceived consequences of drug diversion among college students, focusing on stimulants, opioids, sedatives, and marijuana . A cross-sectional survey will be administered to undergraduate students at a Northeastern university to assess drug use behaviors and diversion history, motivations for diversion, and perceived consequences of engaging in diversion behaviors. Anticipated results include college students using drugs as an aid to study, for stress relief, and for fun. Results from this study can help universities create targeted programs to reduce drug diversion and provide alternative coping mechanisms for students facing academic and mental health pressures.