Sedative/Tranquilizer Misuse is Associated With Alcohol and Illicit Drug Problems, Mental Health Issues, and Impulsivity and Compulsivity in University Students

BACKGROUND: This study examined the prevalence of sedative/tranquilizer misuse among university students and its associations with psychosocial correlates. METHODS: Nine thousand four hundred forty-nine students received a 156-item anonymous online survey, which assessed the use of prescription sedative/tranquilizer (ever or past year), alcohol and drug use, mental health issues, and impulsive and compulsive traits. Sedative/tranquilizer misuse was defined as intake of these prescription drugs by individuals who had not been prescribed them. RESULTS: Three thousand five hundred twenty-five university students (57.7% women) responded to the survey. The prevalence of past 12-month prescription sedative/tranquilizer misuse was 2.1%, with 2.8% reporting having used more than 12 months ago. Prescription sedative/tranquilizer misuse was associated with the use of multiple other drugs (eg, alcohol, opiates each P < 0.001). Those who misuse sedative/tranquilizers were significantly more likely to have mental health histories (P < 0.001), engage in riskier sexual behavior (ie, earlier sexual acts [P < 0.001] and less frequent use of barrier contraception [P = 0.001]), report low self-esteem (P = 0.001), and endorse traits of impulsivity (P < 0.001) and compulsivity (P < 0.001). Effect sizes were small to medium. CONCLUSIONS: Misuse of prescription sedative/tranquilizers was reported by 2% to 3% of university students and was associated with a variety of mental health and drug use problems. Clinicians should be aware that certain mental health conditions are more likely in those who misuse sedatives. This study indicates the need for longitudinal research into the effects of chronic sedative use on brain function and mental health, especially in young people. Such research should address the extent to which impulsive traits predispose to various substance use problems, versus the direct effects of sedatives (and other substances) on mental health