Rx for a party: A qualitative analysis of recreational pharmaceutical use in a collegiate setting

Objective: Using a qualitative methodology, the author examined the sociorecreational use of pharmaceuticals in a collegiate setting. Participants: In all, 91 college students from a public, 4-year institution for higher learning in the Southwest participated in this study. Methods: The author conducted semistructured interviews between May 2004 and December 2005; they then audio recorded, transcribed, and examined the interviews for themes related to the sociorecreational use of prescription drugs. Results: A variety of prescription drugs are used for a number of purposes, including to experience pleasure, manage the duration or intensity of another drug's effects, party or socialize with friends and peers in leisure settings, facilitate sociorecreational activities, and help structure free time. Conclusions: Pharmaceuticals appear to be well integrated into the recreational drug use practices of college students, and prescription drug misuse presents a significant prevention challenge.