Non-medical prescription drug use OR prescription drug misuse is the use of over-the-counter (OTC) or prescription drugs for anything other than the drug's intended purpose, by someone other than the intended recipient, and/or in a dosage other than prescribed.
Prescription drugs have contributed to major advances in public health. However, prescription drugs are the second most frequently misused category of drugs, behind marijuana and ahead of cocaine, heroin, methamphetamine and other drugs.
Below are the most commonly misused prescription drugs and their rate of misuse among UT students according to a 2022 study1:
Opioids (7%)—used to relieve pain (e.g. Vicodin, OxyContin, or codeine)
Depressants/Sedatives (9%)—used to relieve anxiety or help a person sleep (e.g. Valium or Xanax)
Stimulants (13%)— used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and often referred to as "study drugs" (e.g. Adderall, Ritalin, or Concerta). Learn more about prescription stimulant misuse.
Why Do Students Misuse Prescription Drugs?
Students misuse prescription drugs for a variety of reasons, including to increase concentration, study, lose weight, party, relax and relieve symptoms of health and mental health issues. However, a large majority of UT students do not misuse prescription drugs, and studies indicate that students who do not misuse prescription drugs are more successful academically.2
What are Resources for Prescription Drug Misuse
There are safer, long-term solutions to the common reasons prescription or OTC medications are misused. Find on-campus resources that can provide support including:
SHIFT engages the community in dialogue that changes the culture of campus substance use from one of misuse to one of well-being.
How Is Misusing Prescription Drugs Harmful?
Prescription drugs are often strong medications, which is why they require a prescription. Doctors carefully consider potential benefits and risks before prescribing medications. Misusing prescription drugs can have serious medical consequences and cause the following side-effects:
Irregular heartbeat
Increased blood pressure
Restlessness, nervousness
Impaired judgement
Anxiety
Headache
Dizziness
Insomnia
Diarrhea or constipation
Impotence or changes in sex drive
Mood changes
Overdose
Addiction
Death
It is illegal to distribute prescription drugs and to use prescription drugs without a valid prescription. UT and City of Austin Police Departments and Student Conduct and Academic Integrity treat illegal use of prescription drugs as they do other illegal substances. However, if you believe someone has overdosed, you should always call for help. Current UT students can avoid formal University disciplinary action and the creation of a formal disciplinary record when they call for help for an alcohol or drug-related medical emergency due to UT’s Student Amnesty for Alcohol and Drug Emergencies.
Most students who use prescription drugs have them prescribed and monitored by a healthcare provider and gain benefit from their use. They may be approached, however, by other students, friends, or family members who ask to buy or use their medicines. Try the following to protect your prescriptions:
Bring expired or unused medication to your local pharmacy or pharmaceutical disposal location for safe disposal.
Set a reminder on your cell phone for your daily dose and for refills.
Avoid carrying your entire pill bottle or monthly supply in your backpack or purse.
Keep your medicines in a safe, private spot where only you know the location.
1 Phillips, E. L. & McDaniel, A. E. (2018). College Prescription Drug Study Key Findings Report. Center for the Study of Student Life, The Ohio State University: Columbus, Ohio.
2 Faraone, S. V., Rostain, A. L., Montano, C. B., Mason, O., Antshel, K. M., & Newcorn, J. H. (2020). Systematic Review: Nonmedical Use of Prescription Stimulants: Risk Factors, Outcomes, and Risk Reduction Strategies. Journal of the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, 59(1), 100–112.
University Health Services is committed to providing high-quality care to patients of all ages, races, ethnicities, physical abilities or attributes, religions, sexual orientations or gender identities/expression.
University Health Services is committed to providing high-quality care to patients of all ages, races, ethnicities, physical abilities or attributes, religions, sexual orientations, or gender identities/expression.
