Citation

Boyd CJ, McCabe SE, Teter CJ. Addict. Behav. 2006; 31(2): 278-287.

Affiliation

Substance Abuse Research Center, 2025 Traverwood, Suite C, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48105-2194, United States. caroboyd@umich.edu

Copyright

(Copyright © 2006, Elsevier Publishing)

DOI

10.1016/j.addbeh.2005.05.005

PMID

15970396

PMCID

PMC2376756

Abstract

PURPOSE: To assess the relationship between prescription asthma inhaler misuse and other substance abuse. METHODS: The study included a random sample of 5th through 10th grade students attending one, ethnically diverse school district in metropolitan Detroit (N=1017). A cross-sectional, web-based survey design was used. The survey included questions about the use and misuse of prescribed asthma inhalers (among other medications) as well as the use of alcohol, cigarettes, marijuana, and other drugs. We investigated four types of interaction with prescribed asthma inhalers: non-use, prescribed use, prescribed use and misuse, and misuse. RESULTS: Students who misused asthma inhaler medication during their lifetimes were more likely to smoke cigarettes and marijuana as well as more likely to drink alcohol, binge drink and have used other illicit drugs. Students who used asthma inhaler medication solely as prescribed were no more likely to abuse drugs or alcohol than non-users of prescription asthma inhalers. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings are of interest to clinicians who provide health care to adolescents. The present study also has implications for adults managing prescription asthma medication in households and schools.

Language: en