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Abstract

Illicit stimulant use (e.g., MDMA, “ecstasy”) constitutes a problem among emerging adults (EAs; 18–25 years old). Prescription stimulants are among the most frequently misused medications in this age-group with past year prevalence rates reported as high as 30% in predominantly student samples in the United States. We examined the association of stimulant use with four health risks reported in this age-group—risky alcohol use, other illicit drug use, sleep difficulties, and psychological distress. In a community sample of 1,938 student (n = 929) and nonstudent (n = 1009) EAs (mean age = 21.3; SD = 2.2; 52.7% males), 14.6% reported past month stimulant use; rates were 12.1% and 17.2% among students and nonstudents, respectively. Findings demonstrated a significant association between stimulant use and all four health risks among students and nonstudents EAs. The association between stimulant and opioid use was significantly weaker for students than for nonstudents. The connection between stimulant use and common health risks should be addressed in behavioral health and school settings.

Keywords

stimulants alcohol use substance use prevention emerging adults

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Stimulant Use and Associated Health Risks Among Student and Non-Student Emerging Adults

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