Drugs (Prescription, Over-the-Counter, Social) and the Young Adult: Use and Attitudes

Abstract

A study of the total drug use (prescription, over-the-counter [O-T-C] and social) of 600 young adults, 18-21 yr of age, demonstrated that 75% had ingested alcohol, 91% caffeine, 41% analgesics, 28% vitamins, 17% prescription medicines, 39% had smoked marihuana and 2 ordinary cigarettes during the week prior to interview. Women used more prescription, O-T-C and social drugs than men, with women averaging 5.1 and men 4.5. An inconsistency was found between attitudes toward alcohol and its consumption. Drug education programs apparently should place more emphasis upon the hazards associated with O-T-C and social drugs.