Prescription Drug Misuse
Prescription drug misuse is a concern among college students.
Some students try to manage their lives by misusing prescription drugs, either their own prescription or medications for which they do not have prescriptions. Students may turn to prescription drugs to improve academic performance, relieve stress, or even self-medicate. There are many serious health and legal consequences of misusing controlled substances.
It is especially important to educate college students on the many dangers of misusing prescription drugs, as Generation Rx has found that about half of all college students will have the opportunity to misuse a prescription drug by their sophomore year.
Scope
National Data
- Approximately 16 million American aged 12 and over misuse prescription drugs each year.1
- In 2023, over 5 million Americans aged 12 and over reported a prescription use disorder in the past year.2
- Prescription drugs are the second most commonly misused illicit substance, after cannabis, used by 22.3% of the population, and ahead of cocaine, used by 1.5%.1
Missouri Data
According to the 2026 Missouri Assessment of College Health Behaviors (MACHB), 8.5% of Missouri college students report prescription drug use with or without a doctor’s prescription*.
63% of Missouri college students who misused prescription medication were under 21.
30% of students who report prescription drug misuse have engaged in binge drinking at least once in the past year. Binge drinking is defined as 5 or more drinks in a two-hour period at least once in the past two weeks.
*Prescription drug use is defined as the use of prescription drugs without a doctor’s prescription. Prescription drug misuse is the misuse of your own prescription drugs.
Past year reported use rates of various prescription drug categories are as follows:
Stimulants/
Amphetamines
3.3%
Pain Medications/Opiates
3.8%
Sleeping medications
1.6%
Sedatives/
Benzodiazepines
1.1%
Others
0.8%
General Information
The Problem
Students may turn to prescription drugs to improve academic performance, relieve stress, or even self-medicate, but these tendencies are not the norm!
This is a growing issue on college campuses, and the pressure to take these drugs can be prominent. Prescription drugs can help us live longer and healthier lives – but only if they are used properly under medical direction.
Risks
The health risks of misusing prescription drugs are very serious yet widely misunderstood. Many believe prescription drugs are a safe alternative to illicit street drugs, when in fact more emergency department visits occur due to prescription drug misuse than due to illicit “street” drugs (SAMHSA). Additionally, with the emergence of fentanyl, and other contaminants, the use of prescription drugs have become even more dangerous.
Misconceptions
These beliefs regarding prescription medication misuse among college students stem from the misconception that prescription medications are not addictive. Some students also believe that there are no legal ramifications regarding prescription medications because they are legally prescribed by a doctor. Also, since prescription medications are seen as safer, many have the misconception that there is nothing wrong with using someone else’s prescription and that these medications cannot lead to overdose.
Mixing prescription medications with alcoholic beverages significantly increases the risk and severity of possible physical and mental harm and may lead to overdose or death.
Though there are many types of prescription drugs, the most misused fall into four categories: stimulants, painkillers, sleep medications and sedatives. Each of these categories’ present dangerous health risks, but education on the dangers of misusing these drugs can help keep students safe.
The chart below provides examples of these drugs, their effects, and other associated risks/dangers. The possession of any of these medications without a prescription could result in legal consequences and can negatively affect your academic and professional career.
Stimulants (Adderall, Ritalin, Vyvanse, Concerta)
Health Risks: High fever, convulsion, anxiety, hostility, nervousness, seizures, increased heart rate, respiration rate, and blood pressure
Other Consequences: Excessive strain on the heart which can lead to heart failure and death
Pain Relievers (Vicodin, Percocet, Oxycotin)
Health Risks: Liver damage, intoxication, decreased mental alertness and concentration, nausea, vomiting, confusion, and decreased pain threshold
Other Consequences: Regular and long-term misuse can lead to physical dependence and in some cases addiction
Sleep Medications (Ambien, Sonata, Lunesta, Rozerem)
Health Risks: Lowered blood pressure, increased risk of respiratory distress, and increased risk of death when combined with alcohol
Other Consequences: Combining sleep medications with alcohol is especially dangerous and can lead to death
Sedatives (Valium, Xanax, Ambien)
Health Risks: Loss of coordination, slowed reflexes, respiratory depression, aggressive behavior, hallucinations, and inability to form memories
Other Consequences: Sudden withdrawal can cause convulsions and delirium
Legal Risks
There are many prevailing misconceptions about the safety and legality of misusing prescription drugs. Not only do many believe these drugs are safer than street drugs, but many do not know the serious legal ramifications of using these drugs without a prescription.
- In Missouri, illegal possession of prescription drugs is a class D felony and punishable by up to 7 years in prison and a fine of up to $10,000.
- All prescription drugs must be kept in the original prescription container. If you do not keep them in the original container, the burden is on you to prove you have a legal prescription.
- Fraudulently attempting to obtain a controlled substance is a class E felony and punishable by up to 4 years in prison, and a fine of up to $10,000. This includes providing false information to obtain a prescription, claiming to be a physician or authorized person, and forging prescriptions or drug labels.
- It is illegal to distribute prescription drugs to anyone. This includes giving drugs to a friend. In addition, it is a class A felony to distribute a controlled substance within 2,000 feet of any school. A class A felony is punishable by 10-30 years in prison. Missouri colleges and universities are included in the law.
- Driving under the influence of prescription drugs could lead to a DWI arrest if the drug impairs your ability to drive safely.
Alternatives
This is a major concern on college campuses as the nonmedical use of prescription drugs among college students is more than twice as high as that among non-students who are 18-22 years of age (NSDUH). This can be a result of the pressure for academic success, erratic sleep schedules, and recreational drug culture typically associated with college life. Instead of turning to prescription drugs to handle the difficulties of being a college student, try these healthy alternatives!
Stress
Sometimes it can seem like stress and college life go hand-in-hand. The constant pressure of something always being due can be a huge stress, especially when managing finances, living with roommates, juggling work, and relationships! Turning to prescription drugs when stressed may seem like a quick and easy way to get through it all, but it has serious negative effects. Instead, try these tips to help relieve your stress!
Most Missouri college students who reported misusing benzodiazepine/sedative prescription drugs ranked stress reduction as the contributing factor for their prescription drug misuse, followed by helping with feelings/emotions.
Take Care of Your Mind
- Avoid unnecessary stress! This may be learning how to say “no” to added responsibilities, avoiding people who stress you out or identifying and avoiding situations that add stress to your life. Recognize when you’re getting stressed! Have you found yourself feeling irritable or snapping at others? Do you cry or feel like crying more than usual? Having trouble concentrating? These are signs that you might need a break!
- Don’t be afraid to take breaks! If you’re feeling burnt out, take some time just for you- do something you enjoy! Not only is this a nice getaway from the stresses of life but it can also put things in perspective, which can help prevent stress. Taking care of your mental health will help you do better on exams, papers, and assignments!
Take Care of Your Body
- Take deep breaths! Deliberately copying a relaxed breathing pattern tells the brain that things are okay, reducing the impact of stress. Visualize breathing in blue air and breathing out red air!
- Get physical! Exercise releases endorphins and endorphins make you happy! Aim for 30 minutes of physical activity (going to the gym, playing a sport, or even just taking a walk!) a day to ease stress.
- Refuel! Getting enough sleep and eating right go a long way towards reducing stress! Avoid consuming too much sugar or caffeine after dinner to avoid sleep trouble.
Take Care of Your Time
- Make lists! Keeping shopping lists, to-do lists and goals lists will save you time and make planning much easier! Keep your favorite notebook with you or download a cool app to manage these lists no matter where you are!
- Manage your time! Maintain a calendar and dedicate time to planning ahead by prioritizing and organizing your tasks and goals. Make sure to check it every day so you don’t miss any important entries!
- Meet with someone! If you’re struggling to manage all of your responsibilities, check out your school’s Student/Academic Success Center! They will have resources to help you better manage your time and stress!
Sleep
College life is not always conducive to a healthy amount of sleep, with papers to write, exams to study for and so many fun things to do! But getting enough sleep is vital to keeping our bodies and minds healthy! Try these tips for a better night’s sleep!
A vast majority of Missouri college students do not misuse prescription sleeping medication.
- Maintain a regular sleep schedule. Going to bed and waking up at the same time every day will train your brain to get sleepy and wake up at the right times!
- Exercise regularly. Getting 30 minutes of exercise a day can help regulate your sleep patterns. Late afternoon exercise is the perfect way to help you fall asleep!
- Avoid caffeine close to bedtime. Caffeine can stay in the body up to 5 hours. A good rule of thumb is no caffeine after dinner time!
- Avoid alcohol close to bedtime. Although commonly thought of as a sedative, alcohol actually disrupts sleep, causing nighttime awakenings and less restful sleep.
- Use your bedroom for only sleep and sex. Living in the dorms can make it hard to separate your spaces between living, working and sleeping. Making a mental connection between your bed and sleep will make it easier to fall asleep every night!
Pain
Self-medicating or coping with pain by misusing prescription drugs is not only dangerous to your health but also can be addictive. These drugs merely mask the pain; they do not cure the cause.
Most Missouri college students who reported misusing pain medication/opiates ranked pain as the contributing factor for their prescription drug misuse. Followed by to relax or relieve tension.
If you are experiencing pain:
- Visit your health care provider!
- Make an appointment with your student health center! Even if they can’t treat your pain, they will be able to refer you to someone who can!
- Look for a Public Health center in your area!
- Be sure to dispose of your pain medications after you have healed. What works for one ailment does not necessarily work for another!
For more tips/tricks to help with stress, sleep, pain, and prescription drug misuse, visit the MoSafeRx training.
Bystander Information
Missouri’s Good Samaritan Law
Missouri’s Good Samaritan Law (RSMo 195.205) was passed to encourage people to seek medical help in the event of an overdose. If you call 911 or otherwise seek emergency help for yourself or someone else experiencing a drug or alcohol overdose, both the person seeking help and the person experiencing the emergency are protected from minor drug and alcohol violations. This includes (but is not limited to): possession of a controlled substance, possession of paraphernalia, and possession or purchase of alcohol by a minor.
What it doesn’t cover: This law does not provide immunity from other crimes, such as the distribution of a controlled substance, the manufacturing of a substance, or active warrants. Bottom line: Don’t let fear of getting in trouble stop you from calling for help. If someone’s overdosing, call 911
What can you do as a bystander?
While not all students are misusing prescription medications, those who are report getting these drugs from someone they are close to like friends or family.
A vast majority of Missouri college students who report using prescription drugs illegally access them from people they know.
What can you do if someone you care about is misusing prescription medications?
- Have a conversation with this person and ask them why they are using these prescription medications. Ask what you can do to help, and suggest healthy alternatives. Offer to assist them in seeking help from a counselor, doctor, or support group.
- If you believe someone you know is addicted to prescription medications, contact your local service provider through the information on our resource tab.
Best Practices
Prevention of Prescription Drug Misuse
- Prescription drug monitoring programs (PDMPs): more information at Prescription Drug Monitoring Program Training and Technical Assistance Center
- Doctor shopping and medical provider education laws: the Centers for Disease Control provides a good fact sheet on “doctor shopping laws”
- Safe storage and responsible disposal
- Prescriptions kept in lock boxes
- Prescription drug take-back events
- Public Awareness and Education
- Promote partnerships of schools, law enforcement, publish health agencies, and more to educate about the issue
- Create community coalitions to address the problem
Interventions to Increase Access and Support for Substance Misuse Services
- Adoption of the Overdose Prevention Toolkit, which includes: Sample Narcan Policy and Narcan Checklist for best practices, including making students aware of the Good Samaritan Law
- Laws that support access to rescue drugs and overdose risk reduction programs (opioid overdose education and naloxone distribution).
- Counseling programs for prescription drug addiction
- Emphasis on behavioral treatments such as contingency management and cognitive-behavioral therapy
- Availability of medication-assisted recovery (MAR)
SAMHSA has resources on prevention of substance use, including prescription and opioid drug misuse, such as the opioid overdose prevention toolkit,
The Community Anti-Drug Coalitions of America (CADCA) has a wonderful toolkit to Prevent RX Misuse.
The Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health has the Center for Drug Safety and Effectiveness.
Collegiate Prescription Drug Misuse Prevention
Strategic Planning for Preventing Prescription Drug Misuse
Campus Drug Prevention has a great guide on strategic planning, Prevention with Purpose: A Strategic Planning Guide for Preventing Drug Misuse Among College Students.
Toolkit for Campuses
Citations
- National Center for Drug Abuse Statistics. “Prescription Drug Abuse Statistics.” NCDAS, 2024
- Key Substance Use and Mental Health Indicators in the United States: Results from the 2023 National Survey on Drug Use and Health. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration.