Prescription Stimulant Use by Graduate Students

This study assessed illegal prescription stimulant use among graduate students. Prevalence, reasons for use, and poly-substance abuse were specifically examined. Graduate students enrolled in a large southeastern university (N = 1,015) completed a modified version of the Student Life Survey about their experiences. Findings revealed 15.8% of graduate students reported illicit use of prescription stimulants in their lifetime and 5.1% reported past-year illicit use, primarily for academic reasons, and were more likely to use other drugs, such as marijuana and cocaine. Recommendations for future research and practical implication and suggestions for college administrators are provided.