Asthma inhaler misuse and substance abuse: A random survey of secondary school students

PurposeTo assess the relationship between prescription asthma inhaler misuse and other substance abuse.MethodsThe study included a random sample of 5th through 10th grade students attending one, ethnically diverse school district in metropolitan Detroit (N = 1017). A cross-sectional, web-based survey design was used. The survey included questions about the use and misuse of prescribed asthma inhalers (among other medications) as well as the use of alcohol, cigarettes, marijuana, and other drugs. We investigated four types of interaction with prescribed asthma inhalers: non-use, prescribed use, prescribed use and misuse, and misuse.ResultsStudents who misused asthma inhaler medication during their lifetimes were more likely to smoke cigarettes and marijuana as well as more likely to drink alcohol, binge drink and have used other illicit drugs. Students who used asthma inhaler medication solely as prescribed were no more likely to abuse drugs or alcohol than non-users of prescription asthma inhalers.ConclusionsOur findings are of interest to clinicians who provide health care to adolescents. The present study also has implications for adults managing prescription asthma medication in households and schools.