Non-Medical Prescription and Other Drug Use, Mental Health, and Religion: A College Student Study

Non-medical prescription drug (NMPD) use is a significant public health issue, with increasing use among university students. Previous literature has focused on mental health and NMPD use; however, few studies have assessed the roles of well-being and world beliefs, and few have included drugs outside of stimulants, sedatives, and opioids. This study examines the relationships between NMPD, cannabis, and hallucinogen (NMPDCH) use and mental health, well-being, and world beliefs among young adults (N=513). Participants completed online questionnaires assessing demographics, depression, coping, religiosity, and NMPDCH use. Many reported using cannabis (48.5%), while less reported using stimulants (26.7%), sedatives (17.3%), opioids (10.8%), and hallucinogens (14.4%). Five logistic regressions assessed the relationships between mental health, well-being, religious practices and NMPDCH use. Demographic factors were controlled in analyses. Higher depression levels were associated with increased NMPD and cannabis use. Higher spirituality was associated with increased nonmedical stimulant, cannabis, and hallucinogen use, while increased religiosity was associated with reduced use for all substances except opioids. Attendance of worship services was associated with decreased cannabis and hallucinogen use. This study is one of the first to document the association between NMPDCH use and mental health, well-being, and religious practices among young adults. Results suggest that depression and spirituality were differentially predictive of NMPDCH use, while religiosity and attendance of worship services were protective factors against NMPDCH use (except opioids). This study supports future substance use prevention efforts focusing on mental health treatment and the role of religion and community in preventing substance use among young adults.