Amphetamine Misuse Among Young Adults in the United States

• In Event: Substance Use and Misuse Among Adolescents and Young Adults

Abstract

Informed by Agnew’s (1992) general strain theory, the study examines the potential effects of three sources of stress on amphetamine misuse (i.e., taking the stimulant without a valid prescription) among young adults in the United States. The secondary analysis is based on the National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH) data collected in 2022 from a large subsample of adults (N = 23,952), who were 18 to 34 years old when surveyed. The results of the mediation analysis indicate that strains, such as living in poverty, suffering from an alcohol-use disorder, and having a criminal record were significantly and positively related to emotional distress, which in turn predicted amphetamine misuse. Additionally, amphetamine misuse was more likely to be reported by college students, non-Hispanic white respondents, and by individuals who favored involvement in risky and dangerous activities. Conversely, emotional distress and amphetamine misuse were significantly less common among individuals who attended religious services more frequently. The study limitations and the implications of the findings will be also discussed.

Authors

• Dawn Hendricks, University of Louisville

• Viviana Andreescu, University of Louisville