We ask authors to describe their impressions regarding the implications of their accepted work, how their findings will change practice, and what is noteworthy about the work.
Increased Energy Drink Use as a Predictor of Illicit Prescription Stimulant Use
Conrad L. Woolsey , Ronald D. Williams , Bert H. Jacobson , Jeff M. Housman , Jason D. McDonald , Julie H. Swartz , Marion W. Evans , Thomas E. Sather , Adam E. Barry , Robert T. Davidson
Substance Abuse
Vol. 36, Iss. 4, 2015
The U.S. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration ranks non-medical use of prescription drugs as the second most commonly used illicit form of drug use. Additionally, the consumption of energy drinks has increased significantly in recent years. Misuse or abuse of these substances increases health risks for consumers, particularly in college students who are is more likely to use both. A recent study indicated that the frequency of energy drink use may be a significant predictor of the increased odds for illicit prescription stimulant use among college students. The current study replicated and strengthened these previous findings and highlights that the risky behavior of combining energy drinks with prescription stimulants is still relatively high among college students. In general, stimulant users reported significantly more energy drink use which was indicative of increased illicit prescription stimulant use. The strongest predictors of prescription stimulant use were the number of days using energy drinks in the past 30 days and number of energy drink binges in the past 30 days. It is time for concerted efforts to be made to address energy drink use and illicit prescription stimulant use on college campuses. College health promotion campaigns should focus on educating students on the risks of using these substances with particular attention on the promotion of physical activity, balanced nutrition, and mental health which can serve as healthy alternatives to energy drink use.